Hyalella azteca

The Mexican amphipod ( Hyalella azteca ) is a native to North and Central America type of amphipods, which strongly resembles the native freshwater shrimp in shape and lifestyle. The genus Hyalella is contested in another amphipod family that Hyalellidae.

Features

Habitat

The Mexican shrimp is widespread in lakes and rivers of North America, its range extends north of Canada to the tree line. He is regarded as an indicator of water pollution, its oxygen demand, however, is much lower than that of the native freshwater shrimp. In South America, it is by other species represented in the Lake Titicaca eg Hyalella armata.

Its diet consists of plant detritus (eg leaves ), but also carrion.