Cyproidea sp.

Systematics: Amphipoda Family Amphilochidae

Distinguishing Characters:
The body of species of Cyproidea is almost spherical with a small head and short abdomen. The legs and abdomen tuck in between the large side-plates (actually first segments of the third and fourth walking legs). The whole animal is less than 5 mm long.

General Biology:
The brightly coloured species of Cyproidea live among algae subtidally but nothing is known of their biology or geographic distribution. The enlarged side-plates and ability to curl up presumably protect the animal from predators.

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.