NOAA Ocean Explorer: Estuary to the Abyss

NOAA Ocean Explorer: Estuary to the Abyss
By Rachael King
Southeast Regional Taxonomic Center
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Coastal isopods
The "wharf roach," or "sea roach" (Ligiaexotica), is a common isopod often found running around on pier pilings and rocks at high tide. It is a scavenger that feeds on organic matter that it scoops up from rocks and pilings. This isopod is terrestrial, which means that it lives on land. Growing to about 3 cm in length, Ligia exotica has large eyes and long antennae for sensing what is happening in its immediate environment. Also, it can run extremely fast. These are handy features to have, considering that it needs to be aware of predators, such as birds.

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