Gammarellus homari, also known as the “Amphipod”, is a species of marine crustacean belonging to the family Gammarellidae. This small, laterally compressed amphipod plays a significant role in the marine food web, particularly within the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans. It is commonly found in habitats like estuaries and seawater environments, inhabiting the neritic zone from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth.
Description & Characteristics
Gammarellus homari possesses a distinctive elongated body shape typical of amphipods, with a segmented body structure. Their size can reach up to a few centimeters in length, making them relatively small compared to other marine crustaceans. These animals are often found clinging to seaweed and other submerged surfaces, adapting to their environment.
Habitat and Occurrence
Gammarellus homari has a widespread distribution, occurring in various marine environments. They are primarily found in subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones, inhabiting the neritic zone, which extends from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters depth. This adaptation allows them to thrive in diverse habitats, from shallow coastal waters to deeper parts of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Gammarellus homari is classified within the Class Malacostraca, Order Amphipoda, and Family Gammarellidae. This classification places them within a group of crustaceans known for their characteristic laterally compressed bodies and swimming appendages.
Feeding
Gammarellus homari exhibits a predatory feeding strategy, actively hunting and consuming smaller organisms. Their diet consists primarily of hydrozoa polyps, which they capture using their specialized appendages. This feeding behavior contributes to their role as important predators in the marine food web.
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