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Introduced
Species
For OTHER Crustaceans:
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MYSIDS
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- Paramesodopsis rufa - Mysid
- (Edgar, 1997)
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These are moderately sized crustaceans (length to 14 mm) which are an
important source of food for seahorses and other
Sygnathids. They are
generally found in swarms just above the seabed and are often mistaken
for juvenile fish. Many species feed on fine particles produced by
decomposing kelp and seagrass. This makes them an important link between
the sea floor and the open water food webs. The most common species of
mysid found around Tasmania is Paramesodopsis rufa, which grows
to 14 mm and is found on moderately exposed reef, in Victoria and around
Tasmania. This species eats small crustaceans in addition to plant
material. |
ISOPODS
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- Zuzara venosa - Isopod
- (Edgar, 1997)
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These crustaceans are similar to
amphipods
however they are flattened from top to bottom. They can grow up to 20 mm
in length and can adapt to many habitats. Many species live in
freshwater, among leaf litter on land, as parasites on fish, as borers
of wood and on the sea floor. They also include 'sea lice' which
congregate on dead animal material. Several species (Zuzara venosa and
Ligia australiensis) are found in the intertidal zone and shallow
water, under rocks and in crevices. |
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