Hunchback amphipod

Hunchback amphipod
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Amphipoda
Suborder: Gammaridea
Family: Iphimediidae
Genus: Iphimedia
Species: I. gibba
Binomial name
Iphimedia gibba
K. H. Barnard, 1940

The hunchback amphipod, Iphimedia gibba, is a species of amphipod crustacean. It is a marine arthropod in the family Iphimediidae.

Distribution

This species is found off the South African coast from the Cape Peninsula to Port Elizabeth, from the subtidal down to at least 25 metres (82 ft).[1]

Description

The hunchback amphipod is a small but conspicuous amphipod, not reaching more than 5 millimetres (0.20 in) in size. It is vividly striped in blue and yellow. It has blue sideplates. The body is hunched so that the head faces downwards.

References

  1. G. M. Branch, M. L. Branch, C. L. Griffiths & L. E. Beckley (2005). Two Oceans: a Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa. ISBN 0-86486-672-0.


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