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Overview aaaa•Nicknamed the "sand fleas" aaaa•Members of the Class Malacostraca (same as shrimp and crabs) aaaa•App. 7000 described species aaaa•Four suborders: Gammaridea, Caprellidea, Hyperiidea, and Ingolfiellidea Habitat aaaa•Inhabit marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats aaaa•One of the most widespread group of crustaceans aaaa•Most marine species live on seafloor; some are planktonic aaaa•Occur in seas from both poles to the equator aaaa•Terrestrial organisms must live in moist environment aaaa•Occur in sand, mud and on seaweed Feeding aaaa•Primarily scavengers aaaa•Some feed on seaweed (herbivores) aaaa•“whale-lice” are a group of amphipods that feed on skin of whales Reproduction aaaa•Sexual aaaa•eggs held by the female in a marsupium (sac) until they hatch aaaa•young look similar to adults aaaa•some species exhibit parental care of young Anatomy aaaa•Resemble large fleas aaaa•Range in size from 2 to 50 mm aaaa•7 pairs of walking legs aaaa•can either walk or swim using back legs and tail |
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Amphipods Helpful and informative overview of amphipods. |
Pictures This is a link to a site with 15 pictures of various species. |