3D Model
Glyptonotus antarcticus Eights, 1852 is a benthic marine isopod crustacean in the suborder Valvifera. This relatively large isopod is found in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. This 3D model is from a specimen (MNA-02712) collected in the framework of the National Science Foundation (NSF) ICEFISH 2004 cruise.
G. antarcticus is a powerful carnivore and scavenger, an ecological role that brings this species to be caught in baited traps. It capable of active swimming, which is performed in an upside-down position.
Eggs and young are brooded for more than one year in the female’s marsupium formed by a series of specisalized appendages (oostegites). Here the eggs are nourished by a maternal secretion.
Respiratory chamber is located ventrally to the pleotelson, consisting in two leaf-like uropods, that ventilate the animal; also pleopods, thin and flattened, help the respiratory processes with continuous movements.
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