Iphimediidae

The Iphimediidae are a family of marine amphipods found in the order Amphipoda, suborder Senticaudata, and infraorder Caprellidea. They are commonly called “skeleton shrimps”, as their bodies are long and slender, with a distinctly segmented appearance. This family includes around 280 described species, with a majority of them classified under the genus Iphimedia. While Iphimediidae are found worldwide, most species are found in deeper waters, particularly in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

Amphipod – Iphimedia obesa

Characteristics

Iphimediidae are characterized by their long, slender bodies and distinct segmentation. They typically have a length between 5 mm and 40 mm, with some species reaching up to 60 mm. They possess a number of unique features, including:

  • Large, prominent eyes: Iphimediidae have large, prominent eyes that are located on the head. These eyes are crucial for navigation and predation in their dimly lit environments.
  • Gills on the pereonites: The gills of Iphimediidae are located on the pereonites, the body segments that follow the head. These gills are adapted for efficient respiration in the deeper waters where they live.
  • Strong, grasping antennae: Their antennae are strong and grasping, and they are used for sensing their environment and capturing prey.
  • Elongated pereopods: Their pereopods, or walking legs, are elongated and adapted for clinging to surfaces or moving along the substrate.
  • A distinct urosome: The urosome, the posterior portion of the body, is distinctly separated from the pereon and contains the telson, which is the terminal segment of the body.

Environments

Most Iphimediidae species are found in the deep sea, typically in the bathyal and abyssal zones. They are commonly found on soft sediments, although some species can be found on rocky substrates. Iphimediidae are often found in association with sponges, corals, and other invertebrates. They are carnivorous and prey on smaller invertebrates, including other amphipods, polychaetes, and crustaceans.

References

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