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Phronima

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Phronima
Specimens of Phronima sedentaria
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Amphipoda
Suborder: Hyperiidea
Family: Phronimidae
Genus: Phronima
Latreille, 1802
Type species
Cancer sedentarius
Forsskål, 1775
Photnima Sedentaria Offspring

Phronima is a genus of small, deep sea hyperiid amphipods of the family Phronimidae. It is found throughout the world's oceans, except in polar regions.[1] Phronima species live in the pelagic zone of the deep ocean. Their bodies are semitransparent. Although commonly known as parasites, they are more technically correctly called parasitoids.[2] Instead of constantly feeding on a live host, females attack salps, using their mouths and claws to eat the animal and hollow out its gelatinous shell.[3] Phronima females then enter the barrel and lay their eggs inside, then propel the barrel through the water as the larvae develop, providing them with fresh food and water.[3]

It is sometimes thought to be an inspiration for the fictional xenomorphs.[4][5]

Classification

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The genus Phronima contains these 10 species:[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b James K. Lowry (2003). "Phronimidae". Peracarida : Amphipoda, Cumacea, Mysidacea. Volume 2, Part 2 of Crustacea: Malacostraca in Zoological catalogue of Australia. CSIRO Publishing. pp. 339–344. ISBN 978-0-643-06902-2.
  2. ^ Katie O'Dwyer (February 3, 2014). "Meet Phronima, The Barrel-Riding Parasite That Inspired The Movie Alien". Live Science.
  3. ^ a b Damond Benningfield (June 8, 2008). "Phronima". Science and the Sea. University of Texas Marine Science Institute. Retrieved October 11, 2010.
  4. ^ Leung, Tommy (2014-01-20). "Parasite of the Day: Phronima sp". Parasite of the Day. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  5. ^ Johnsen, Sönke (2000). "Transparent Animals". Scientific American. 282 (2): 80–89. ISSN 0036-8733. JSTOR 26058604.
  6. ^ Lowry J (ed.). "Phronima Latreille, 1802". World Amphipoda database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
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