Isocladus calcareus

, Isocladus calcareus, Isocladus calcareus

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Amvrakikos Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Aral Sea, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bay of Biscay, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea, Bohai Sea, Cantabrian Sea, Celtic Sea, Chukchi Sea, Coral Sea, Dead Sea, English Channel, German Bight, Great Barrier Reef, Greenland Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Halmahera Sea, Iberian Sea, Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Korinthiakos Gulf, Labrador Sea, Levantine Sea, Lingayan Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Moro Gulf, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific Ocean, Pagassitikos Gulf, Salish Sea, Saronikos Gulf, Scotia Sea, Sea of Azov, Sea of Marmara, Siberian Sea, South China Sea, Southern Ocean, Thermaikos Gulf, Yellow Sea

Isocladus calcareus is a fascinating species of isopod crustacean, belonging to the family Sphaeromatidae. These small creatures are found in a variety of marine environments, playing an important role in the intricate web of life within their ecosystems.

Description & Characteristics

Isocladus calcareus, like other members of the Sphaeromatidae family, possesses a distinct segmented body structure. They exhibit a characteristic flattened, oval shape, with a hard, calcified exoskeleton that provides protection. Their bodies are typically a mottled brown or gray color, helping them blend into their surroundings. These isopods are relatively small, reaching a maximum size of a few centimeters.

Habitat and Occurrence

Isocladus calcareus is a species that thrives in the intertidal zone, particularly in areas with rocky substrates. Their preferred habitat includes rocky shores, tide pools, and coral reefs. They are often found in the lower intertidal zone, where they are exposed to the ebb and flow of the tides. This species is commonly found in the neritic zone, which encompasses the shallow coastal waters extending to the edge of the continental shelf.

Taxonomy

Isocladus calcareus is classified within the animal kingdom, belonging to the phylum Arthropoda. These creatures are further grouped under the Class Malacostraca, which includes a vast array of crustaceans. Within this class, they are placed in the Order Isopoda, a group known for their flattened bodies and lack of a carapace. Finally, they are categorized within the Family Sphaeromatidae, a diverse family of isopods characterized by their spherical or oval shapes.

Feeding

Isocladus calcareus is primarily a detritivore, meaning it feeds on decaying organic matter. They play a vital role in marine ecosystems by breaking down dead plants and animals, contributing to nutrient cycling. They also scavenge for algae and other small organisms. Their feeding habits make them essential components of the food web, helping to recycle nutrients and maintain the health of their habitat.

Associated Species

Image References

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