Pink beach hopper* • Maera danae
Photo by Natalie Graham
Identification
The pink beach hopper is a relatively vivid pink amphipod that reaches 1.8 cm long.
Habitat & Range
This species can be found from the intertidal to a depth of 100 m. It is often found under rocks situated on muddy shores. Its eastern Pacific range extends from northern Alaska to southern California. It is also found on shorelines in Siberia and the northwest Atlantic Ocean.
Similar Species
Other common beach hoppers found in the Pacific Northwest are the grey or brown Traskorchestia traskiana, the dull grey Megalorchestia columbiana, and M. californiana - distinguished by its bright red antennae and larger size.
Intriguing Info
Amphipods such as the pink beach hopper play a major role in breaking down algae and other detritus that washes ashore as marine wrack.
*Note that other marine amphipods are also referred to as beach hoppers, as well as sand hoppers and beach fleas (though they do not bite).
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/295415-Maera-danae
The pink beach hopper is a relatively vivid pink amphipod that reaches 1.8 cm long.
Habitat & Range
This species can be found from the intertidal to a depth of 100 m. It is often found under rocks situated on muddy shores. Its eastern Pacific range extends from northern Alaska to southern California. It is also found on shorelines in Siberia and the northwest Atlantic Ocean.
Similar Species
Other common beach hoppers found in the Pacific Northwest are the grey or brown Traskorchestia traskiana, the dull grey Megalorchestia columbiana, and M. californiana - distinguished by its bright red antennae and larger size.
Intriguing Info
Amphipods such as the pink beach hopper play a major role in breaking down algae and other detritus that washes ashore as marine wrack.
*Note that other marine amphipods are also referred to as beach hoppers, as well as sand hoppers and beach fleas (though they do not bite).
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/295415-Maera-danae
References
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Maera danae. Encyclopedia of Life. Accessed 27/01/2014.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell and Brian Starzomski (2015).
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Maera danae. Encyclopedia of Life. Accessed 27/01/2014.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell and Brian Starzomski (2015).
