General Description

Carapace with low folds but no distinct ridges. First pereopod short, with propodus not as long as carpus. Pleopods each with two rami, with plumose setae. First segment of endopod of uropod longer than 2nd and 3rd segments together. Females with exopod on 3rd maxilliped, without trace of exopods on 3rd and 4th pereopods. Telson present.

Biology

Cumaceans burrow into the surface of sandy and muddy sediments but can also be found in the sediment trapped among macroalgae. At night especially cumaceans can be active swimmers in the open water and this is probably where mating occurs. Food is obtained by filtering water just above the sediment and grazing on the surface of sand grains. Cumaceans can be dug out of sandy sediment but the most effective way of catching them is by attracting them to lights at night.

Habitat

Soft bottom marine and estuarine, to depths of 11 m.

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

Southern temperate oceans, including south-eastern Australia.

Species Group

Microcrustaceans › Cumaceans

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
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

MoV 1610

Conservation Status

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