Hyperiidea

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Superorder: Peracarida
Order: Amphipoda
Suborder: Hyperiidea

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hyperiidea: /ˌhaɪpəˈrɪdiːə/

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Summary

Hyperiidea is a suborder of amphipods that are exclusively marine, with many species acting as parasites of gelatinous zooplankton and about 233 species recognized. They are noted for their large eyes and planktonic lifestyle, differing from other amphipod groups.

Physical Characteristics

Hyperiids are distinguished by their large eyes and planktonic habitat.

Identification Tips

Identification can be made through examination of their morphology, particularly the large eyes characteristic of the group.

Habitat

Marine environments, primarily found within the planktonic zone.

Distribution

Known from many oceans of the world, including 69 species in the Southern Ocean.

Diet

Many species are parasites or predators of gelatinous zooplankton, primarily in Cnidaria, Ctenophora, and Thaliacea; some are free-swimming predators of copepods and other small planktonic animals.

Ecosystem Role

Many hyperiids play a role as parasites or predators within marine food webs, particularly targeting gelatinous zooplankton.