Abstract
BackgroundIsopoda are the most diverse Crustacea. In order to encourage the study of isopod crustaceans and their use in biodiversity studies, systematics, ecology, physiology and more, one needs to know who the isopods are and where to find them.New informationThis is a short “how to” guide focusing on the free-living marine and freshwater isopods: where they live and how to collect and preserve them. The tools and techniques described here are simple, but invaluable in accessing the natural history of these remarkable creatures.
Highlights
In terms of body shape, size (0.5 – 500 mm), and the habitats in which they occur, the Isopoda are the most diverse Crustacea
The iconic Bathynomus, at nearly a half meter long, may hold its own, healed scars on museum specimens indicate they too sometimes tangle with predators
Some Cirolanidae, Corallanidae, and occasionally juvenile Aegidae and Cymothoidae can occur in the water column and can be lured to light or baited traps
Summary
In terms of body shape, size (0.5 – 500 mm), and the habitats in which they occur, the Isopoda are the most diverse Crustacea. Long and arduous hikes with heavy gear across reef flats or knife-edged rocky shores aside, it is easier to work in intertidal habitats compared to SCUBA diving, as one can cover much more "collecting" ground above water than underwater.
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