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Glyptidotea

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Glyptidotea lichtensteini
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Glyptidotea

Stebbing, 1902
Species:
G. lichtensteini
Binomial name
Glyptidotea lichtensteini
Krauss, 1843
Synonyms
  • Idotea lichtensteini Krauss, 1843

Glyptidotea is a monotypic genus of isopod in the family Idoteidae.[1] Its sole member is Glyptidotea lichtensteini, the keeled isopod, a medium-sized isopod found on the coast of southern Africa.[2][3]

Description

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The species has an elongate body with nearly parallel flanks. It bears a pattern of brown or pink blotches that serve as camouflage. A pronounced rostrum or spike extends from the front of the head and runs backwards over the center of the back in the form of a keel. The segments of the pleon are fused to the telson. Average size is 40 mm.[4]

Distribution and habitat

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G. lichtensteini occurs from the coast of southern Namibia at Lüderitz to the Transkei in South Africa. It inhabits the intertidal zone, where it may be found under boulders.[3] It has also been reported from seamounts and knolls.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Glyptidotea". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
  2. ^ a b G. Poore, M. Schotte (2015). "Glyptidotea lichtensteini". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
  3. ^ a b Branch, G. M.; Griffiths, C. L.; Branch, M. L.; Beckley, L. E. (2010). Two Oceans: a Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik Nature.
  4. ^ Kensley, Brian (1978). Guide to the marine isopods of southern Africa. South Africa Museum. ISBN 0-908407-43-2.