A small crustacean that grows to approximately 6-8 mm in length. Its body is laterally compressed with two pairs of antennae and seven pairs of thoracic limbs. Antenna 1 is shorter than antenna 2, and holds an accessory flagellum. The basal segment of antenna 1 is very large, and rectangular in shape. The remaining segments of antenna 1 are smaller and arise at right angles to the basal segment, a feature known as geniculate, and characteristic of the genus. The body appears semi-transparent to white, with varying degrees of red pigment associated with the abdomen. The eyes are red in colour and easily visible.The Gammaridea are difficult to identify and reference should be made to Lincoln (1979) for guidance.

often abundant

Arcachon Bay, Atlantic Coast of France, Baie de la Seine, Belgian Exclusive Economic Zone, British Isles, Cordouan (lighthouse), Covas Beach, European waters (ERMS scope), Gironde Estuary, Golfe Normanno-Breton, Grevelingen, Haringvliet, Hendaye, Irish Exclusive economic Zone, Isle of Wight, North Sea, Oosterschelde, Plymouth, Pontaillac, Portland, Ría de Foz, Ría do Barqueiro, Roscoff, United Kingdom Exclusive Economic Zone, Voordelta, Westerschelde, West-Oléron, Wimereux

Depth range based on 159 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 41 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 375
  Temperature range (°C): 6.889 - 11.855
  Nitrate (umol/L): 2.055 - 12.040
  Salinity (PPS): 32.851 - 35.334
  Oxygen (ml/l): 5.996 - 6.605
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.353 - 0.687
  Silicate (umol/l): 2.052 - 7.673

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 375

Temperature range (°C): 6.889 - 11.855

Nitrate (umol/L): 2.055 - 12.040

Salinity (PPS): 32.851 - 35.334

Oxygen (ml/l): 5.996 - 6.605

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.353 - 0.687

Silicate (umol/l): 2.052 - 7.673
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

 Found in wet, clean, fine to medium sand, from slightly above the mean tide level into the shallow sublittoral; often abundant above mean tide level.