Orchestia gammarellus

Description

This species grows to a maximum length of 1.8 cm and is brown or greenish brown in colour.

Distribution

Orchestia gammarellus is widely distributed from Norway and Iceland in the north, in coastal waters of European countries, and down to southwest Africa. It also occurs in the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea.

Habitat

This amphipod lives in a wide range of habitats, occurring in marine environments such as shallow waters, the intertidal zone, and in estuaries. It also lives in semi-terrestrial areas away from water, provided those areas are damp enough. It can be commonly found on shingle shores, under decaying debris concentrated around the high water mark.