Statolith diameter as an alternative measure of size in the mysid, Neomysis nigra Nakazawa, 1910 (Mysida)

Abstract

Total length, and the length of carapace and telson, are generally used to measure the size of mysid crustaceans. However, this method may not be as accurate for measuring these animals, since mysids commonly bend their abdomen when they are collected and preserved. Besides, the fragile carapace of mysids may result in less accurate outputs in such size measurements. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between carapace length and statolith diameter in Mysida. The carapace length and statolith diameter were measured in 1199 individuals of Neomysis nigra Nakazawa, 1910. The statolith diameter was significantly correlated with carapace length. It is suggested that the statolith diameter of mysids could be used as an alternative measurement for characterizing body size in these crustaceans.