''Hyperia macrocephala'' is a species of
zooplankton
Zooplankton are the animal component of the planktonic community ("zoo" comes from the Greek word for ''animal''). Plankton are aquatic organisms that are unable to swim effectively against currents, and consequently drift or are carried along by ...
, an
amphipod in the
family
Family (from la, familia) is a group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its members and of society. Idea ...
Hyperiidae
The Hyperiidae are a family of amphipods, containing these genera:
*'' Euthemisto'' Bovallius, 1887
*'' Hyperia'' Latreille ''in'' Desmarest, 1823
*'' Hyperiella'' Bovallius, 1887
*'' Hyperoche'' Bovallius, 1887
*'' Laxohyperia'' M. Vinogradov & ...
.
Etymology
The name ''Hyperia macrocephala'' comes from the Latin "large head".
Description
This species can grow to 29 mm. The head of ''Hyperia macrocephala'' is shorter than the combined length of the first two pereonites. Specimens that are large and mature have CX IV that are pointed and laterally projecting. The P III-IV have many short, non-uniform setae on ART 5 and 6. The P V-VII are naked, and have a short cluster of setae apparently on only on the anterodistal margins of ART 2 of P V and VII. There are sharply pointed posterodistal corners on the epimeral plates. There is a strongly convex shape to the posterior margin of the epimera III. The UR is quite thin, the telson being fairly short in length.
Distribution
This species is found in the South Atlantic Ocean
and around almost the entire coast of the Antarctic Ocean.
References
External links
IllustrationIllustrations and distribution diagrams around page 16
Hyperiidea
Crustaceans described in 1853
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