Maera mastersi

Systematics: Amphipoda Family Melitidae

Distinguishing Characters:
Maera mastersi is flattened from side-to-side like the typical amphipod, has kidney-shaped lateral eyes and one of the second walking legs is much larger than the other. The back edges of the side-plates of the abdomen are finely serrated. The species grows to about 11 mm long.

General Biology:
Maera mastersi is very common, found on seaweeds and on the sandy bottom of bays and the continental shelf. The species may be a herbivore but more likely feeds on detritus.

Feedback and queries should be sent to the Discovery Centre at Museum Victoria.
Please note, the Discovery Centre can help you only with questions about crustaceans from southeastern Australia. It can not advise on the care of pet hermit crabs or on crustaceans from other regions.