Abstract.The ecology of tropicalMysidaceais poorly known.Mysidium columbiae(Zimmer), because of its ubiquitous distribution in the tropical western Atlantic and the information available on its aggregative behavior, is an ideal subject of study to reconcile aspects of this problem. Information and data were obtained on abundance, population size, shoal/school structure, fecundity, development, and feeding of aM. columbiaepopulation inhabiting waters surrounding Twin Cays, a mangrove archipelago in Belize. Although reproduction was continuous and proportions of life stages within shoals remained relatively constant throughout the year, population size decreased by an order of magnitude from summer to winter. Embryonic development averaged 4.7 days, with postlarvae being released near the surface before dawn. Aquarium experiments suggested that olfaction may be more sensitive than vision, although both senses were used to locate food. This species is a detritivore, but gut contents suggested that it may also be a predator.