What do marsh shrimp eat?

Marsh shrimp, also known as brine shrimp, have a varied diet depending on the species and their stage of life. Generally, they are filter feeders and detritivores. This means they primarily consume:

* Algae: They feed on both phytoplankton and benthic algae found in their habitats.

* Detritus: This includes decaying plant and animal matter, which they filter out of the water.

* Bacteria: They consume bacteria that grow on the algae and detritus.

* Zooplankton: Some species of marsh shrimp may also consume small zooplankton, such as rotifers and copepods.

Their feeding habits are crucial to the ecosystem as they help to recycle nutrients and control algal blooms.

Important Note: While some sources may mention marsh shrimp eating small invertebrates, this is generally uncommon. They are primarily filter feeders, not predators.