Eurydice spinigera

Hansen, 1890

Description
Antennula (a1) with the first article extending forwards, the second article in a right angle to the first. Antennule scarcely reaching the anterior lateral corner of the pereion; third peduncular article slightly shorter than the second; the flagellum is robust in both sexes.
Antennal peduncle (a2) with four distinct articles. Maxillipede without coupling hooks on the inner border. Pereion somites 2-6 with posterior corners of the coxal plates produced into fairly long processes, those on somite 6 longer than in any other species.
Pleon somite 5 not markedly reduced, with the lateral borders contributing to the body outline. Pleopod 1 with both rami thinly chitinised and fringed with setae, The peduncle of the uropod is not markedly reduced backwards alongside the inner border of the endopod; the articulation between the peduncle and the endopod is short. Pleotelson sharply narrowing posteriorly; posterior border emarginate with two conspicuous spines at each lateral corner on each side of the row of plumose setae.

Size
Length up to 9 mm.

Depth range
Littoral, down to ca. 40 m, often in near-coast plankton.

Distribution in the North Sea
All North Sea.

World distribution
E Atlantic, including Mediterranean.

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