Amfifeerisiä

Amfifeerisiä, often referred to as amphipods, are a diverse order of small crustaceans belonging to the infraorder Amphipodidea. They are characterized by their laterally compressed bodies, which distinguish them from their more dorsoventrally flattened relatives, the isopods. Amphipods exhibit a wide range of adaptations and inhabit nearly every aquatic environment, from the deep sea to freshwater streams and terrestrial habitats. Their populations can be found in both marine and freshwater ecosystems across the globe, with some species also adapted to life on land.

A key feature of amphipods is their unique leg structure. They possess two pairs of antennae, with the first pair typically being shorter than the second. Their thoracic legs are adapted for various functions, including swimming, clinging, and burrowing. The first two pairs of thoracic legs are often chelate, meaning they have a pincer-like structure. Amphipods are generally detritivores or scavengers, feeding on decaying organic matter, but some species are predatory or herbivorous. Their small size and abundance make them an important component of many food webs, serving as a food source for fish, birds, and other invertebrates. Reproduction in amphipods typically involves direct development, with females carrying their eggs in a brood pouch until they hatch into miniature versions of the adults.