General Description

Although it is difficult to tell Eurythenes species apart by their morphology (shape), genetic studies suggest that depth is a major driver for speciation. Colours differ between species, but live animals are generally reddish in colour with pale or white eyes. Eurythenes are relatively large amphipods that can reach sizes up to 90 mm.

Biology

Eurythenes are known throughout the world's oceans. Inhabiting depths between 175 and 8000 m, species are thought to have diverged as a result of depth rather than geographical locations. It has been observed that Eurythenes show ontogenetic stratification, meaning that juveniles will live and feed in shallower waters than mature individuals. At lower depths, it is also possible they burrow into the seafloor to avoid possible dangers. As a scavenger of the deep sea, Eurythenesis one of the forerunning animal groups being used to understand connectivity within the deep sea.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan genus, known from around the world.

Habitat

Marine, pelagic or benthic.

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