General Description

Pale brown to dull white, a hood over the eyes and base of the anntennae, short broad hind walking legs. Up to 4.5 mm long.

Biology

The family Phoxocephalidae is exceptionally diverse in southern Australia with over 100 species described. All inhabit the surface of sandy and muddy sediments where they are mobile diggers feeding on organic matter. Males have larger eyes and better sensory hairs and are active swimmers in search of mates at night. Microscopic differences in the shapes of the legs and patterns of hairs distinguish the species from others in the genus.

Habitat

Muddy and sandy sediments, to depth of 11 m.

Soft substrates

Seagrass meadows

Distribution guide

South-eastern Austria, including central and eastern Victoria.

Species Group

Microcrustaceans › Amphipods

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

5 mm

Diet

Organic matter

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

sp. MoV 488

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed