The Sea Spider – Ammothea hilgendorfi is a fascinating marine arthropod known for its long, spindly legs, resembling a spider, hence its common name. This intriguing creature, belonging to the class Pycnogonida, is often found in various marine environments, showcasing a unique adaptation to its surroundings.
Description & Characteristics
Ammothea hilgendorfi is characterized by its slender body with long, thin legs, which are significantly longer than its body. It typically measures around 5 to 10 millimeters in length, with leg spans ranging from 20 to 40 millimeters. These elongated legs serve as its primary mode of locomotion, allowing it to navigate the ocean floor.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Sea Spider – Ammothea hilgendorfi thrives in a wide range of marine zones, including the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans. It can be found from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) extending to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters water depth. Its presence in these zones, commonly referred to as the neritic zone, showcases its adaptability to diverse marine environments.
Taxonomy
The species Ammothea hilgendorfi falls under the class Pycnogonida, commonly known as sea spiders. These creatures are further categorized within the order Pantopoda, encompassing a diverse group of marine arthropods. Ammothea hilgendorfi is specifically classified within the family Ammotheidae, distinguished by their characteristic slender bodies and exceptionally long legs.
Feeding
Ammothea hilgendorfi exhibits a diverse diet, relying on a combination of food sources. Its feeding habits include consuming coral polyps, demonstrating its corallivorous nature. They are also omnivores, supplementing their diet with other available food sources. While not exclusively parasitic, they may occasionally exhibit parasitic tendencies, drawing sustenance from other marine organisms. Sea anemones are another food source for this adaptable species.
Image References