How big is the Sea slater?

Sea slater (Ligia italica) reaches 1–2 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Sea slater?

Sea slater is found between 0–1 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Sea slater?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Sea slater?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Sea slater (Ligia italica)

Key facts

Scientific name: Ligia italica
Common name: Sea slater
Category: Crustaceans
Family: Ligiidae
Genus: Ligia
Size: 1–2 cm
Depth: 0–1 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky, shore
Behaviours: fast-moving, gregarious
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Ligia italica is a marine isopod of 1 to 2 cm, dark grey with long antennae. Lives above the high-water mark on coastal rocks, never fully submerged. Extremely fast: its collective scatter when approached is spectacular. Detritivore, recycling beached algae and carrion. Very common across the Mediterranean and northeast Atlantic.

Photo of Sea slater

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Sea slater?: Sea slater (Ligia italica) reaches 1–2 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Sea slater?: Sea slater is found between 0–1 m deep.
Is the Sea slater dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Sea slater?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Sea slater?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 156211)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5175646)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia