Amphipoda - Amphipods

The species in this order are 3/16 to 3/4 of an inch in length. They look like tiny shrimp or fleas. They have humped backs, several pairs of legs, and two pairs of antennae. They are usually white, brown, or gray.

Amphipods are scavengers and eat animal and plant debris. Female amphipods keep their eggs in a body pouch until they hatch.

Species in this order are found in marine habitats, fresh water habitats, and on land. The species that live on land are found in moist environments.

Marine amphipods are a food source for lots of bird, fish, and sea mammal species, including the huge gray whale. There are over 7,000 species found around the world.