Home Main menu Back Anatomy Biology Distribution


[Sea Flea Biology]


[Sea Flea ] Anatomy
Sea fleas belong to the order Leptostraca. Leptostracans have a laterally flattened carapace enclosing the bases of the legs, a hinged rostrum covering stalked eyes, and a tapering abdomen ending in a forked tail. Although there are many species they do not differ greatly. They average about 8 mm long. Leptostracans are generally colourless but all seem to possess bright red eyes. Most belong to one family, Nebaliidae.

Biology

The females carry eggs in the cavity under the carapace and development is direct. Sea fleas live in muddy environments, often where organic matter is abundant and it is assumed that they are detritivores or scavengers on dead animal matter.

[sea flea drawing 1]Distribution

All leptostracans are truly marine and live on the sea floor to great depths.


Home Main menu

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.

Privacy   Rights   Disclaimer   Contact Us   E-News
© Museum Victoria Australia