(Hindrem - The Trondheim fjord / 35 meters / 4.29.2009)

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Crustacea

Subclass: Malacostraca

Order: Amphipoda

Suborder: Gammaridea

Family: Acanthonotozomatidae

Scientific name: Iphimedia obesa

 

Norwegian: -

Distribution: This amphipod is very common along the Norwegian coast, as far north as Nordkapp. It is usually found on depths between 10 and 300 meters, hunting for food among hydroids and algae.

Characteristics: This family includes two species, I. obesa and I. minuta. The former can reach a length of 12 mm, while I. minuta rarely exceeds half that length. Thus, the individuals on the images above could be identified from the size, being approximately 1 cm. I. obesa is usually white or yellow with brown, red or pink bands. The eyes have clearly visible red pigment. There are distinct teeth on the dorsal plates.

All pictures: