Glyptidotea lichtensteini

Glyptidotea lichtensteini, the keeled isopod, is a medium-sized isopod in the family Idoteidae,[1] found on the coast of southern Africa.

Glyptidotea lichtensteini
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Malacostraca
Order:
Isopoda
Family:
Idoteidae
Genus:
Glyptidotea
Species:
G. lichtensteini
Binomial name
Glyptidotea lichtensteini
Krauss, 1843
Synonyms
  • Idotea lichtensteini Krauss, 1843

Description

The species has an elongate body with nearly parallel flanks. It bears a pattern of brown or pink blotches that serve as camouflage. A pronounced rostrum or spike extends from the front of the head and runs backwards over the center of the back in the form of a keel. The segments of the pleon are fused to the telson. Average size is 40 mm.[2][3]

Distribution and habitat

G. lichtensteini occurs from the coast of southern Namibia at Lüderitz to the Transkei in South Africa. It inhabits the intertidal zone, where it may be found under boulders.[2] It has also been reported from seamounts and knolls.[1]

References
  1. G. Poore, M. Schotte (2015). "Glyptidotea lichtensteini". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
  2. Branch, G. M.; Griffiths, C. L.; Branch, M. L.; Beckley, L. E. (2010). Two Oceans: a Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik Nature.
  3. Kensley, Brian (1978). Guide to the marine isopods of southern Africa. South Africa Museum. ISBN 0-908407-43-2.


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