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Amphipods (Gammarus and its relatives) and Isopods (woodlice and their relatives) are the twin great groups of small crustaceans. Isopods are mostly flattened dorsoventrally (the same direction as skates and rays). Amphipods are similar but flattened laterally (the same direction as ordinary fish like herrings). I have been fascinated by giant isopods, which look like huge marine woodlice. One might almost have predicted that the deep seas would also yield giant amphipods. So it is very exciting to read of this discovery from the Kermadec trench. Yet another example of the semi-predictable beauties of evolution. Forgive me for remarking that there are better ways of looking at newly discovered animals than gastronomic jokes.
Richard
Permalink Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:55:52 UTC | #915069