epimeriid amphipod Epimeria sp.

Epimeria species are found throughout Antarctica [4]. Most Epimeria species have characteristic dorsal outgrowths on their bodies, though a few are smooth [3]. The stomach contents of one species of Epimeria had 42% organic matter including 10% holothurian matter [1]. Some Epimeria species have been observed as ambush predators, sensing food or prey with their antennae and then grasping it [1,2]. With live, swimming zooplankton prey, one Epimeria species moves its first pair of antennae back and forth, creating a current to bring the prey closer to grasp [1]. Predators of Antarctic benthic amphipods include fish and squid [5].

Among malacostracan crustaceans, amphipods are the most abundant and diverse group in benthic Antarctica [1].

1: Polar Biology 11(1):73-79, 1990; 2: Antarctic Science 3(2):159-166,1991; 3: Journal of Natural History 28(3):555-576, 1994; 4: Catalogue of the Marine Gammaridean Amphipoda of the Southern Ocean. JK Lowry, S Bullock. Wellington : Royal Society of New Zealand, 1976. Royal Society of New Zealand Bulletin 16; 5: ANT'PHIPODA Checklist : http://www.natuurwetenschappen.be/amphi/

Text ©Peter Brueggeman. Photograph ©Canadian Museum of Nature (Kathleen Conlan). Photograph may not be used in any form without the express written permission of Canadian Museum of Nature (Kathleen Conlan).