Leucothoe commensalis

Systematics: Amphipoda Family Leucothoidae

Distinguishing Characters:
The body of Leucothoe commensalis is shiny and very pale cream with black eyes. The first walking legs are unusual in having a claw (or chela) formed from the last and third-to-last segments (unlike in a crab where the last and second-to-last segments form the claw). The largest specimen is 15 mm long.

General Biology:
Leucothoe commensalis lives for most of its life inside the cavities of sea squirts (solitary tunicates) or sponges. Here, presumably it feed on mucus stolen from its host which offers it protection from predatory fish. The species is widespread on the continental shelf and bays of eastern Australia.

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.