Description: This amphipod reaches up to 12 mm in size and has an elongate head, concave at the rear, with no rostrum. The body is translucent with a whitish tinge and is usually marked with yellow to brown spotting. Telson is deeply split, and lacks spines but does have hairs.

Habitat: Sandy mud where it builds tubes, from intertidal to shallow sublittoral.

Distribution: Recorded around all coasts of Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Some other amphipod species, especially others from this genus, may look similar. careful inspection under a microscope and a specialised key may be required for identification to species level.

Key Identification Features:

• Up to 12 mm in size.
• Elongate head with no rostrum.
• Translucent white with yellow/brown spotting.
• Deep split in telson.

Distribution Map from NBN: Ampelisca brevicornis at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Ampelisca brevicornis at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Ampelisca brevicornis

WoRMS: Ampelisca brevicornis at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Ampelisca brevicornis (A. Costa, 1853). AphiaID: 101891.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Arthropoda; Crustacea; Multicrustacea; Malacostraca; Eumalacostraca; Peracarida; Amphipoda; Amphilochidea; Lysianassida; Synopiidira; Synopioidea; Ampeliscidae; Ampelisca