It is the best-known of all North American freshwater shrimp,[3] and is commonly used as bait for commercial fishing, especially catfish.

[6] In May 2001, two specimens were found in the Ohio River in Joppa, Illinois, the first ones in 50 years, indicating either that the species is returning to its former range, or that prior sampling methods were ineffective.

This is accomplished by having the larvae drift, free-floating, down the river until they reach water where the salinity is high enough to support them.

Females carrying eggs may also migrate downstream before releasing the larvae to reduce the time required for travel.

A 2008 study by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette discovered that M. ohione larvae are viable for up to five days in fresh water.