Idotea balthica

Idotea balthica (Pallas, 1772)
Baltic isopod

photo by Harvey-Clark, Chris

Family:	Idoteidae ()
Max. size:
Environment:	benthic; brackish; marine; depth range 20 - 34 m
Distribution:	Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean.
Diagnosis:
Biology:	It is an epibenthic species (Ref. 95730), that inhabits coastal waters (Ref. 8372). Euryhaline; found along tidal shores, typically occupying the littoral and sublittoral zones. Its characteristic pattern of distribution is correlated with tidal levels, exposure and salinity variations. It is a widely distributed species (Ref. 95891). A macroalgae mesoherbivore (Refs. 95728, 95891, 126850). This species facilitates the transfer of spermatia in red alga Gracilaria gracilis in laboratory aquaria (Ref. 126850).
IUCN Red List Status:	Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:
Country info:

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