ExploreInvertebrate

Transparent Amphipod

The Transparent Amphipod is a tiny, see-through creature that lives in freshwater habitats. It looks like a little ghost swimming in the water!

Habitat: Freshwater

Appearance

The Transparent Amphipod is a small, shrimp-like creature with a largely translucent or glass-like body, allowing its internal organs to be faintly visible. It has a distinctive laterally compressed, segmented form, giving it a flattened appearance from side to side. Its lack of prominent coloration makes it incredibly difficult to spot in aquatic environments.

KingdomAnimaliaClassMalacostracaOrderAmphipodaFamilyPhronimidaeGenusPhronima

Transparent Amphipod

Interesting facts

Many mothers carry their tiny babies in a special pouch under their body.

Some species can survive in extremely cold polar waters!

Their name means 'different foot,' referring to their varied leg types!

They often swim on their sides, which looks very unusual!

Special abilities

Transparent Amphipod can become almost invisible in water because of its clear body that helps them avoid predators.

Transparent Amphipod has powerful U-shaped bodies that help them rapidly flick and propel through water, making sudden escapes possible.

Transparent Amphipod can efficiently process decaying organic matter because of specialized mouthparts that help them keep aquatic habitats clean.

Measurements & details

Size: 5-20 mm
Lifespan: 90-365 days
Leg Count: 14

Diet & Feeding

These tiny scavengers munch on decaying plants and animals, helping to clean up underwater habitats.

Primary Foods

decaying_plant_matter
dead_algae
microorganisms
detritus
small_invertebrate_carcasses

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

A vital food source for many bottom-dwelling fish.

eaten by

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

An important part of freshwater trout diets.

eats

Green Alga

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Helps control algal blooms in some aquatic systems.

shelters

Giant Kelp

Macrocystis pyrifera

Finds refuge and food among kelp fronds.

Traits

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Filter Feeder

Discover amazing animals that filter their food right from the water! They have special ways to strain tiny bits of plants or other creatures to eat.

Freshwater

Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.

Regenerative

Imagine if you could grow back a lost arm or tail! Some incredible creatures have the power to regrow body parts, making them truly amazing survivors in nature.