Thermosbaenaceans: Thermosbaenacea
No Common Name (thermosbaena Mirabilis): Species Account
Physical characteristics: The adult body is sort of cylinder-shaped and measures up to 0.14 inches (3.5 millimeters). The thorax has five pairs of biramous pereopods. The telson is large and is about as long as the last three abdominal segments combined.
Geographic range: This species is known to live in just a few hot springs in Tunisia.
Habitat: This species lives in hot springs with lots of dissolved minerals, at temperatures usually higher than 111°F (44°C).
Diet: Thermosbaena mirabilis eats several species of bacteria known as blue-green algae. Bacteria are one-celled organisms that break down wastes and tissues of other organisms.
Thermosbaena mirabilis is known to live in just a few hot springs in Tunisia.
Behavior and reproduction: They walk over the surfaces of rock in search of food. Hatching young resemble the adults and have five pairs of pereopods.
Thermosbaena mirabilis and people: This species is not known to impact people or their activities.
Conservation status: Thermosbaena mirabilis is not considered endangered or threatened. ∎
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Books:
Schram, F. R. Crustacea. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press, 1986.
Periodicals:
Wagner, H. P. "A Monographic Review of the Thermosbaenacea (Crustacea: Peracarida)." Zoologische Verhandelingen 291 (1994): 1-338.
Web sites:
Thermosbaenaceans. http://www.geocities.com/mediaq/thermo.html (accessed on March 14, 2005).
Additional topics
Animal Life ResourceMollusks, Crustaceans, and Related SpeciesThermosbaenaceans: Thermosbaenacea - Physical Characteristics, Some Like It Hot!, No Common Name (thermosbaena Mirabilis): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, BEHAVIOR AND REPRODUCTION, CONSERVATION STATUS