amphipod morphology

Amphipods are small crustaceans with a laterally flattened body, meaning they are compressed from side to side. They typically have a segmented body divided into a head, thorax, and abdomen, with a series of jointed legs attached to each segment. Their antennae are long and often prominent, aiding in sensing their environment. Amphipods lack a carapace (a hard shell covering the body), and their body color can vary. Their structure allows them to move efficiently in water and along substrates, and their morphology is adapted for burrowing, swimming, or crawling in aquatic habitats.