Amphipods

crustaceans · ocean creatures · water animals · scavengers

Sideways squished bodies. Amphipods have bodies that are squeezed flat from side to side, which helps them squeeze into hiding spots and move through water. This flat shape is one of the things that makes them easy to recognize.

Everywhere but land. Most amphipods live in oceans and saltwater, but some have moved into freshwater lakes and streams. The sandhoppers are even brave enough to live on sandy beaches and in damp soil on land.

Tiny to small. Amphipods are usually small creatures, ranging from just 1 millimeter to 340 millimeters long. Most of the ones you might find are closer to the tiny end of that range.

Cleanup crew specialists. Most amphipods are scavengers that eat dead stuff floating around in the water, making them nature's cleanup crew. This job is super important because it helps keep aquatic environments healthy.

Massive variety. Scientists have identified more than 10,700 different amphipod species, and there are probably many more waiting to be discovered.