BIOTIC Species Information for Urothoe spp.
Researched byDr Paul Somerfield & Prof. Richard Warwick Data supplied byPML
Refereed byThis information is not refereed
Taxonomy
Scientific nameUrothoe spp. Common nameAn amphipod
MCS CodeS246 Recent Synonyms

PhylumCrustacea Subphylum
Superclass ClassEumalacostraca
SubclassPeracarida OrderAmphipoda
SuborderGammaridea FamilyUrothoidae
GenusUrothoe Species
Subspecies   

Additional Information
Taxonomy References Howson & Picton, 1997,
General Biology
Growth formArticulate
Feeding methodActive suspension feeder
Surface deposit feeder
Mobility/MovementSwimmer
Burrower
Environmental positionEpifaunal
Typical food typesDetritus, small invertebrates HabitFree living
Bioturbator FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeVery small(<1cm)
Height Growth RateNot researched
Adult dispersal potentialNot researched DependencyIndependent
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional Information
Biology References Fish & Fish, 1996,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandFound on all British and Irish coasts.
Global distributionFound in north-west Europe from Denmark and Scotland to northern France, off the coasts of New Zealand and off South African coasts.
Biogeographic rangeTemperate. Depth range10 - 30 m
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional Information

Substratum preferencesGravel / shingle
Fine clean sand
Muddy sand
Muddy gravelly sand
Physiographic preferences
Biological zoneMid Eulittoral
Lower Eulittoral
Sublittoral Fringe
Upper Infralittoral
Lower Infralittoral
Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow SalinityFull (30-40 psu)
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References Fish & Fish, 1996,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typePermanent hermaphrodite
Developmental mechanismDirect Development
Reproductive SeasonMay to September Reproductive LocationAs adult
Reproductive frequency Regeneration potential No
Life span1-2 years Age at reproductive maturity<1 year
Generation timeNot researched Fecundity15 per brood
Egg/propagule sizeInsufficient information Fertilization typeInternal
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialNot researched Larval settlement periodNot relevant
Duration of larval stageNot relevant   
Reproduction Preferences Additional Information
Reproduction References Fish & Fish, 1996, Foster-Smith, 2000,
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