dcsimg

Diagnostic Description

provided by Caprellids LifeDesk

Length: 10mm. Body smooth, fore-head angular. Antenna 1 slightly shorter than ½ body length; antenna 2 about as long as antenna 1 peduncle. Gnathopod 2 attached anterior to median of pereonite 2; propodus with proximal spine, concave setose palm and distal triangular projection. Gills elongate. Pereopods 5 - 7 propodus palms setose.

license
cc-by-nc
copyright
Ashton, Gail
author
Ashton, Gail
partner site
Caprellids LifeDesk

Distribution

provided by Caprellids LifeDesk

Possjet Bay; Japan

license
cc-by-nc
copyright
Ashton, Gail
author
Ashton, Gail
partner site
Caprellids LifeDesk

Etymology

provided by Caprellids LifeDesk

Probably named after its habitat association i.e. algae.

license
cc-by-nc
copyright
Ashton, Gail
author
Ashton, Gail
partner site
Caprellids LifeDesk

General Description

provided by Caprellids LifeDesk

Caprellid, “Ghost” or “Skeleton” shrimps, so called for their skeletal appearance. Amphipod crustaceans, easily distinguished by the elongate stick-like body form and reduction of the abdominal appendages. Head is generally fused with pereonite 1. Pereopods on first 2 segments (pereonites) are most flexible and called gnathopods; gnathopods 2 being the largest, used in defense, feeding and substrate attachment. In many species pereopods 3 and 4 may also be reduced or absent. Gills on pereonites 3 + 4, rarely on pereonite 2. Pereopods 5 - 7 much smaller than 1 + 2, used for clinging to the substratum. In females, brood plates (öostegites) develop on pereonites 3 + 4. Much remains to be learnt about their biology, ecology and in many cases changing distributions.

license
cc-by-nc
copyright
Ashton, Gail
author
Ashton, Gail
partner site
Caprellids LifeDesk

Habitat

provided by Caprellids LifeDesk

Attached to Sargassum.

license
cc-by-nc
copyright
Ashton, Gail
author
Ashton, Gail
partner site
Caprellids LifeDesk