Stenetrium

Stenetrium sp.

Systematics: Isopoda Family Stenetriidae

Distinguishing Characters:
The flattened brown 12 mm long body comprises a head with kidney-shaped eyes, seven similar thoracic segments and a fused abdomen. The antennae are very long and the first legs strong are claws.

Habitat and Distribution:
Stenetrium lives among algae and other sedentary growths on the subtidal sea floor.

General Biology:
Although very small and appearing quite fragile with its thin legs, stenetrium is a very active animal. Its sharp claws suggests it may be predatory on even more tiny prey but this is not certain. There are numerous species, all very similar to each other.

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.