If the mud has contaminants, the researchers believe that the amphipods should show some reaction to them. Although no larger than a half inch, amphipods have a heart, brain, complex eyes and gills. Female amphipods produce between four to 12 eggs during their 30 day lifespan. Amphipods look similar to shrimp, but without the hard tail portion. They are clear with black markings and have a hard shell over their bodies.
Mummichogs are small fish, which serve as food for many larger fish.
The second part of the study will focus on them. Mummichogs can live several months to more than a year. At the adult stage, mummichogs grow to three or four inches long. They eat amphipods. Because of their short lifespans, researchers will be able to document the average response of each species in a particular generation.