Valvifera

Valvifera is a suborder of marine crustaceans belonging to the order Isopoda. Isopods are known for their flattened bodies and segmented exoskeletons. The Valvifera are characterized by the presence of valve-like plates covering the pleopods, which are the appendages on the underside of the abdomen used for swimming and respiration. These valves provide protection to the pleopods.

This suborder includes a diverse array of species found in marine environments worldwide, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. Many valviferans are benthic, meaning they live on the seafloor, and they exhibit a variety of lifestyles. Some are scavengers, feeding on dead organic matter, while others are predators, preying on smaller invertebrates. Some species are also known to be parasitic.

Notable families within Valvifera include the Idoteidae, which are common in temperate and polar waters and often found on seaweed, and the Arcturidae, which inhabit deeper marine zones. The morphology of valviferans can vary significantly, reflecting their adaptations to different ecological niches. Their ecological role in marine ecosystems includes nutrient cycling and serving as a food source for larger animals.