Abstract
Abstract Although the caprellid amphipods are very important in marine ecosystems, knowledge of their ecology is scarce. During a sampling programme in North Africa (1998–2000) a total of 22 caprellid species belonging to 5 genera were collected. The habitat use was investigated for all of them. The composition of the caprellidean communities was clearly different between exposed and sheltered areas. Caprella danilevskii, C. fretensis, C. grandimana, C. liparotensis and C. penantis were found in exposed areas, while C. dilatata, C. hirsuta, C. takeuchii and Pedoculina garciagomezi preferred sheltered areas. The species of the former group were morphologically characterised by large size, elongate body somites, a short basis of gnathopod 2 and short pereopods. This morphology enables the caprellids to develop a “parallel” posture attaching strongly to the substrate in areas subject to heavy wave action or strong currents. The smaller species, such as C. cavediniae, C. ceutae, C. erethizon, C. monai, C. san...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
