General Description

Strongly laterally flattened species, with spikes along the edge of some of the segments of the abdomen and edges of the abdominal side-plates. Seven pairs of legs, first two chelate (with claws). Pale pink to bright red. Up to 20 mm long.

Biology

Small areas of marine sediments and clumps of macroalgae harbour hundreds of individuals and often many species of amphipods. These amphipods are very active when disturbed. Their mode of escape is the tail-flip, a rapid escape response where the abdomen flicks the animal away after the uropods are dug into the ground.

Distribution

South-eastern Australia.

Habitat

Intertidal areas in mud under rocks, to depth of 10 m.

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