An amphipod (Amphitholina cuniculus)
Distribution data supplied by the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS). To interrogate UK data visit the NBN Atlas.
| Researched by | Andrew Hosie | Refereed by | Admin |
| Authority | (Stebbing, 1874) | ||
| Other common names | - | Synonyms | Ampithoe cuniculus , Biancolina cuniculus |
Summary
Description
Unlike typical amphipods which have a laterally compressed body, Amphitholina cuniculus is subcylindrical. The head is globular directing the mouthparts forward. These combined with the positioning of the last 2 articles of pereopod 5 and the spination of uropod 3 and the telson are adaptations for its burrowing habits on exposed coasts.
Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland
A rarely recorded species known from the southwest of the UK, the Isle of Man and southern Ireland.Global distribution
Only recorded from the Atlantic coast of France outside of the UK.Habitat
An intertidal and shallow subtidal species found on exposed coasts. Amphitholina cuniculus is associated with the holdfasts of seaweeds, in particular it is found to burrow into the edible seaweed, Alaria esculenta or bladderlocks.Depth range
-Identifying features
- Bright green with red eyes.
- Body subcylindrical with globular head.
- Gnathopod 2 subchelate, propodus massive.
- Pereopod 5 with propodus and dactylus rotated 180°.
- Outer margin of uropod 3 exopod strongly serrated with 2 spines distally.
- Telson with distal recurved spines.
Additional information
No text enteredListed by
- none -
Bibliography
Citation
This review can be cited as:
Hosie, A.M. 2008. Amphitholina cuniculus An amphipod. In Tyler-Walters H. and Hiscock K. (eds) Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Reviews, [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Available from: http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/2230
Last Updated: 16/10/2008
