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Barrel Amphipod

Phronima

Deep sea Barrel Amphipod specimen

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Abyssal Stats

Depth

Surface–1,000 m (0–3,300 ft)

Size

Up to 4 cm (1.6 in)

Habitat

Midwater

Diet

Salps and jellies

What they'd be sayin'

"I hollow out the bodies of salps and live inside them like a mobile home."

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Deep Sea Profile

Predatory crustaceans that hollow out gelatinous organisms to use as mobile nurseries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really the 'Alien' inspiration?

Yes, its bizarre head and life cycle provided the visual foundation for the Xenomorph.

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