Advances in the ecology of freshwater mysids Introduction

Mysids can be considered the krill of lakes. These crustaceans are relatively small (<30 mm), omnivorous, perform extensive vertical migrations, are a major food source for fishes, and can be the dominant species by mass in lakes. This Theme Section comprises 4 papers that represent significant advances in the study of these ecologically important animals, including techniques that were not available 20 years ago, such as DNA:RNA:protein ratios, fatty acids and stable isotopes as growth indicators, quantitative analysis of acoustics data and vertical migration models. The Theme Section thus represents a step forward towards better understanding long-term zooplankton time series, mysid omnivory, and the mysid ecological role in lake food webs.