Typical Seapills

Sphaeromatidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sphaeromatidae: /sfɛəˌroʊməˈtaɪdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Gnorimosphaeroma oregonense (10.3897-zookeys.1037.63017) Figure 8 by Wetzer R, Wall A, Bruce NL (2021). Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Isopode de socorro by Gelweo. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Thermosphaeroma thermophilum by Jared Shorma. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Thermosphaeroma thermophilum female by Bronwyn H. Bleakley. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Thermosphaeroma thermophilum male by Bronwyn H. Bleakley. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Gnorimosphaeroma oregonense (10.3897-zookeys.1037.63017) Figure 2 by Wetzer R, Wall A, Bruce NL (2021). Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Sphaeromatidae (marine pillbug family) is a family of isopods consisting of almost 100 genera and 619 known marine species, with additional freshwater species. They inhabit rocky shores and shelf waters, and their morphology varies significantly among the genera.

Physical Characteristics

Many species have a dorsoventrally compressed body shape, often with a vaulted dorsum, and some are strongly flattened (scale-like).

Habitat

Often encountered on rocky shores and in shelf waters in temperate zones.

Diet

Browsers or detritus feeders; some species have incisory mandibles.

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • isopods
  • Sphaeromatidae
  • marine pillbug
  • crustaceans