An air-breathing species with a broad, flattened, smooth body. Antennae are longer than in Ligia dilatata, reaching the end of the thorax. Pleon segments not fused, and end of the telson rounded. Uropods rod-like and projecting well beyond the body.
Up to 22 mm.
Occurs in vast congregations amongst drift kelp on rocky shores in the Western and South-Western Cape. Coastal specimens exhibit a mixture of terrestrial and marine characteristics. They dry out easily and thus need moisture and proximity to water for their survival. While they have gills, and can exchange gas under water, they only do so when escaping terrestrial predators or when being dislodged by wave action. Indeed, they do not move swiftly in water, and are open to marine predation. In conclusion, they are well adapted to life on rocky surfaces, and avoid sand at any cost, where they are open to terrestrial predation and desiccation.
Two Oceans: A Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa (2007).
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F*CK FISH 