Barrel amphipod
Phronima sedentaria
- Not on exhibit
- Animal type
- Invertebrates
- Ecosystem
- Deep sea
- Relatives
- Other amphipods; Order Amphipoda
- Diet
- Gelatinous zooplankton
- Range
- Worldwide from the surface to 3,600 ft. (1,100 m)
- Size
- Up to 2 inches (5 cm) total length
Meet the barrel amphipod
This mother travels with her crib. With the seafloor far below, this small crustacean seeks a safe place to lay her eggs. She hitches a ride in a salp, a jellylike animal. Cushioned inside the salp’s supple barrel, her hatchlings will feast on their host.
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