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 four eyes. Eight segmented walking legs attached to the sides of the trunk. Small abdomen behind trunk, unsegmented. Leg span about 5 mm.
Biology
While this species has been mainly collected from algae, particularly brown seaweed and seagrass, the association is most probably with epiphytic hydroids which live on or near the algae. Current records of this species in Victoria most likely include more than one species, yet to be determined. Males carry the eggs, holding them between body parts called ovigers that hang under the animal.
Habitat
Usually on seaweed or seagrass, to depths greater than 400 m.
Seagrass meadows
Reefs
Distribution guide
Worldwide. Southern Australia.
Species Group
Depth
Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)
Water Column
Max Size
5 mm
Commercial Species
No
Global Dispersal
Recorded in Australia.
Species Code
MoV 1791
Conservation Status
- DSE Advisory List : Not listed
- EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
- IUCN Red List : Not listed