Natural England - Amphipod shrimp

Amphipod shrimp

Gitanopsis bispinosa

Very little is known about this tiny shrimp-like animal, which is found on the seabed at depths of 100-200m. It grows to about 0.5cm long, and is similar in appearance to the common sandhoppers, which can be found jumping around washed up seaweed that has been beached by the falling tide.

Brief description of European distribution

Distribution map

Distribution map: (320kb)pdf document

The amphipod shrimp has been recorded in the English Channel, North Sea, the Firth of Clyde, off the Orkney Isles, and east of the Shetlands. Its range extends northwards along the coast of Norway, in Oslofjord and up to Greenland.

Conservation status / need

UKBAP Priority Species

Further information sources

An amphipod shrimp - Gitanopsis bispinosaexternal link (MarLIN)

Gitanopsis bispinosaexternal link (Marine Species Identification Portal)

Gitanopsis bispinosaexternal link (WoRMS)

Interesting fact

Many shrimp-like animals have chemical sensors on their antennae to help them to locate food – especially useful on the deep, dark seabed.