(Walker, 1889)
Description:
Coxal plates 1 to 4 elongate, forming a regular shield; epimeral plate 3 broadly prolonged posteriorly, distal margin rounded. Head with prominent lateral lobes, narrower in male than in female; eyes very large, oval to kidney-shaped. Antenna 1 peduncle robust, article 1 inner distal margin with a distinct tooth, variable small to large, articles 2 and 3 not compressed, flagellum a little shorter than the peduncle, about 9-articulate, setose; accessory flagellum about 4-articulate. Antenna 2 in female equal to the length of antenna 1, flagellum up to about 10-articulate, setose; antenna 2 in male longer than the body, peduncle robust, flagellum exceptionally slender, filiform, with calceoli. Gnathopod 1 simple, basis robust. Setose, propodus tapering distally, inner posterior margin with several short spines. Gnathopod 2 very slender, propodus much smaller than the broad carpus, minutely subchelate. Pereiopods 3 and 4 setose, in male setae plumose. Uropod 1 elongate, rami about equal, spinose; uropod 2 shorter than uropod 1, inner ramus constricted distally; uropod 3 peduncle broad, outer ramus in female with a few setae; in male inner margins of rami and peduncle with many plumose setae. Telson short and broad, entire, apical margin about straight.
Size:
Up to about 10 mm.
Colour:
Yellowish, speckled with white.
Habitat:
Frequently recorded and locally common amongst algae in shallow water.
Distribution:
Atlantic coast of Europe and North Africa from Shetlands to Senegal; Mediterranean; Canary Islands; Indian Ocean.