Sponge amphipod
Leucothoe spinicarpa
Fun Fact: They live within the body cavities of sponges and ascidans.
Introduction: Sponge amphipods (Leucothoe spinicarpa) are equipped with very large nippers. The first pair form an distinctive 'finger' by the last 2 body segments. They are so-called because of they live commensally within the body cavities of sponges and ascidans.
Distribution: Found from the Orange River mouth to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay as far as the Kunene River mouth.
Diet: Filters food particles from the stream of water pumped through the host's body
Colouration: Uniform pale-pink to mauve
Breeding: Eggs are hatched from a brood pod underneath the body as adults
Max size: 10mm
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