Amphipods

Classification Phylulm Arthropoda Class Crustacea Order Amphipoda Other Names Scuds Sideswimmers Freshwater shrimp

• Resemble small shrimp
• White to clear colour
• Two body sections (cephalothorax and abdomen)
• Body flattened side-to-side with many segments
• Seven pairs of legs seem to hang under a curved abdomen
• Antennae

Behavior

• Swim rapidly on their sides propelled by legs
• Commonly found in vegetation
• Avoids light

Aquatic Habitat

• Still or quiet water

Feeding Type

• Omnivores and scavengers
• Shredders, scrapers and scavengers
• Food is held with front legs for chewing

Predation

• Eaten by trout, small pike and diving beetles

Pollution Tolerance

• Amphipods require well-oxygenated water
• Moderately pollution tolerant
• May indicate fair water quality