Sand Skater

Serolina delaria

Systematics: Isopoda Family Serolidae

Distinguishing Characters:
The body is very flat and round, 9 mm long, with the head inset into the first body segment and having a pair of kidney shaped eyes on top. The first legs are a pair of solid claws.

Habitat and Distribution:
The sand skater lives camouflaged on the surface of sand in shallow water. This species ranges from Victoria and South Australia but its relatives are found in all southern states.

General Biology:
Sand skaters use their discoid shape and camouflage to swim and walk about invisibly on the surface of sand in marine environments. They feed on the organic matter found in the sand. They are sometimes likened to extinct fossil trilobites but the resemblance of course is no more than superficial. Deep water and some Antarctic relatives grow to 10 cm long.