General Description

Body with proboscis projecting outward from front, with the mouth at the tip. Central body (trunk) behind the proboscis, with a raised, rounded area (tubercle) bearing eight eyes. Eight segmented walking legs attached to the sides of the trunk. Short, inflated abdomen behind trunk. Leg span about 3 cm.

Biology

This common species is an active swimmer. They breed from November to December, sometimes extending through to March. Their scientific name refers to their protruding jaws. Males carry the eggs, holding them between body parts called ovigers that hang under the animal.

Distribution

South-eastern Australia.

Habitat

On bryozoans, to depth of 90 m.

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