Amphipoda

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Amphipoda () is an order of malacostracan crustaceans characterized by sessile eyes and the absence of a carapace. Amphipods () comprise more than 10,700 species, are found in almost all aquatic environments, from fresh water to the deepest parts of the ocean, as well as in terrestrial environments, and generally have laterally compressed bodies. Most amphipods are marine, although around 20% of species inhabit fresh water and other non-marine environments, while the family Talitridae includes terrestrial landhoppers as well as semi-terrestrial and marine species. Amphipods range in size from less than 1 millimetre (0.04 in) to about 35 centimetres (13.8 in), are mostly detritivores or scavengers, and are an important component of aquatic ecosystems.

Read on Wikipedia · Image Michal Maňas, CC BY 2.5