The Clawed Sea Spider, Spiny-thigh Sea Spider, Sea Spider, scientifically known as Phoxichilidium femoratum, is a fascinating marine invertebrate belonging to the class Pycnogonida, commonly referred to as sea spiders. These creatures are easily recognizable due to their long, spindly legs and relatively small bodies, a characteristic that lends them a unique appearance.
Description and Characteristics
Phoxichilidium femoratum, like other members of the Pycnogonida class, exhibits a distinct body structure. Their bodies are small and segmented, with a prominent cephalothorax that houses the mouth and other vital organs. This cephalothorax is connected to a long, slender abdomen that lacks any obvious appendages. The defining feature of these sea spiders is their long, spindly legs, which can be up to five times the length of their bodies. In the case of Phoxichilidium femoratum, these legs are adorned with spines, lending them the “Spiny-thigh Sea Spider” moniker.
Habitat and Occurrence
Phoxichilidium femoratum is a marine species found in a variety of coastal habitats. They are particularly abundant in the intertidal zone, where they can be found clinging to rocks, algae, and other submerged structures. These sea spiders are also commonly observed in shallow waters, extending their distribution into the subtidal zone. Phoxichilidium femoratum thrives in the marine zones that are exposed to regular tidal fluctuations, making them a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Phoxichilidium femoratum belongs to the Class: Pycnogonida, Order: Pantopoda, and Family: Phoxichilidiidae. Pycnogonida is a class of marine arthropods characterized by their elongated legs and small, segmented bodies. Pantopoda, the order within which Phoxichilidium femoratum is classified, encompasses all sea spiders, while Phoxichilidiidae is the family to which this specific species belongs.
Feeding
Phoxichilidium femoratum, like most sea spiders, is a carnivore with a specialized feeding strategy. Their diet primarily consists of small invertebrates, including bryozoans (sea mats), hydrozoa polyps, and jellyfish. They are also known to feed on parasitic organisms found on other marine life. Their feeding strategy often involves the use of their long legs to capture prey and their sharp mouthparts to pierce and consume their food. While they are classified as carnivores, their feeding behavior can sometimes be considered parasitic, especially when they feed on the body fluids of their prey.
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