Amphipod - Hyalella azteca

Sorry for the poor quality shot, but this scud was tiny (~0.3 mm) and refused to stay still. I finally got this shot by reducing the area it could swim in to a single drop of water.

*Species ID is tentative, but probable because H. azteca is very common among waterweeds in ponds.

Habitat: Found in the weeds near the edge of a pond

comments (8)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Cool, only the 4th in this order! Posted 5 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Nice! If it doesn't get eaten, I'll try to get more photos. Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    lol the dragonfly shock went deep. Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      It did indeed. I may be traumatized by that blood bath. Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        I can feel the bitterness about it here, it travels far. Posted 5 years ago
      2. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        And....it got eaten! Posted 5 years ago
        
        Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        By what? Posted 5 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        I don't know. I looked in the tank when I woke up and saw that it was gone. I asked, "Who did this?!", but nobody answered ;P.
        
        *I did collect this amphipod with the intention of letting it be food though, so I shouldn't be surprised that it got eaten. Too bad I didn't get better photos first though. Posted 5 years ago

The Hyalella azteca

''Hyalella azteca'' is a widespread and abundant species of amphipod crustacean in North America. It reaches 3–8 mm long, and is found in a range of fresh and brackish waters. It feeds on algae and diatoms and is a major food of waterfowl.

Info 1 0

Similar species: Amphipods

Species identified by Christine Young