Hyalella azteca

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Superorder: Peracarida
Order: Amphipoda
Suborder: Senticaudata
Family: Hyalellidae
Genus: Hyalella
Species: azteca

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hyalella azteca: /haɪəˈlɛlə æzˈtɛkə/

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Images

IMGP7610-Hyalella azteca with acanthocephalan in body cavity! by Nemataslg. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Hyalella azteca 2 by Scott Bauer. Used under a Public domain license.

Hyalella azteca by wikipedia. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Hyalella azteca is a widespread amphipod species, important in freshwater ecosystems for its role in the food web and as a subject in ecotoxicological research. It is characterized by its distinct morphological features and adaptability to various aquatic environments.

Physical Characteristics

Hyalella azteca reaches 3–8 mm (0.12–0.31 in) long, with males being larger than females. They exhibit variable colors, with common hues being white, green, and brown. They are identified by antenna 1 being equal or shorter than antenna 2, having 1 spine on pleosome 1 and pleosome 2, and males possessing larger gnathopods on Pereopod I and II.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from similar species by the relative lengths of the antennae and the structure of the gnathopods.

Habitat

Found among vegetation and sediments in permanent bodies of freshwater, including lakes and rivers. They can extend into tidal fresh water and freshwater barrier lagoons.

Distribution

Hyalella azteca is found across Central America, the Caribbean, and North America, as far north as the Arctic tree line.

Diet

Mainly feeds on filamentous algae and diatoms, but also consumes organic detritus, assimilating a significant portion of bacterial biomass.

Life Cycle

Undergoes a minimum of nine instars during development, with the first differentiation of sexes at the 6th instar and first mating occurring in the 8th instar.

Reproduction

Mating typically occurs from the 8th instar onwards, with further instars leading to adulthood.

Predators

Key food source for various waterfowl, including female white-winged scoters and lesser scaup.

Ecosystem Role

Plays an important role in freshwater ecosystems as a primary consumer and a food source for higher trophic levels.

Economic Impact

Used in aquatic bioassays for toxicity testing due to their ecological significance and sensitivity to sediment contaminants.

Evolution

Represents a species complex with low gene flow between populations; has been associated with evolutionary studies regarding resistance to contaminants and climate change.