Apherusa glacialis (Hansen 1888)

A common Arctic sea ice amphipod

over 500 eggs per female per year; 6 month breeding period; Egg hatching from spring to fall; Young are retained in marsupium for only a brief period; Estimated life span 2 years

Adults primarily herbivorous on ice-associated algae

Panarctic, endemic (only found in Arctic); Only found in association with sea ice; Prefers multiyear ice, but can be found on first year ice

Transparent red mottled pattern; Eyes large and dark