(Hindrem - The Trondheim fjord / 39 meters / 3.30.2005)

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Crustacea

Subclass: Malacostraca

Order: Amphipoda

Suborder: Gammaridea

Family: Pleustidae

Scientific name: Stenopleustes latipes

 

Norwegian: hydroideamfipode

Distribution: Some claim that these tiny creatures are only found deeper than 60 meters. This is not entirely true as I have, along with Moen & Svensen, observed them on 30 meters depth in the Trondheim fjord. It exists along the entire Norwegian coast. It is usually seen feeding on the hydroid Eudendrium rameum.

Characteristics: This amphipod has one orange stripe on each segment. The second pair of legs are longer than the first. The body length is usually less than 15 mm.

All pictures: