Marine Slater Ligia australiensis

Form:

The Marine Slater is a swift, long-legged relative of the Garden Slater. It is flattened, with an oval shaped body, about twice as long as wide. It has a large head with two large eyes and very long antennae which are longer than the body. The tail telson has three spikes.

Colour:

The Marine Slater is slaty grey in colour with lighter and darker blotches.

Distribution:

The Marine Slater ranges from northern New South Wales, south across southern shores to southern Western Australia, including Tasmania.

Habitat:

Although the Marine Slater is uncommon on the open coast of New South Wales, it is extremely common in estuaries. Along southern shores it can be highly abundant, hiding under all forms of shelter.

Biology:

This species is also known as the Swift Beach Louse

References:

Bennett, I. & Dakin W.J. ,(1987) Australian Seashores: W.J. Dakin's classic study. p. 251, Angus & Robertson, North Ryde

Edgar, G.J. (1989) Australian Marine Life; the plants and animals of temperate waters. p.184, Reed.

Davey, K. (1998) A Photographic Guide to Seashore Life of Australia. p. 131 New Holland Press, Frenchs Forest.

Isopods - Amphipods

Marine Slater

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