THE XERCES SOCIETY FOR INVERTEBRATE CONSERVATION

Aquatic Invertebrates in Pacific Northwest Freshwater Wetlands
An Identification Guide and Educational Resource

Cumaceans are generally only collected in or near estuaries. They are primarily marine, and easily collected from sandy substrates.

They are distinctive with a broad, circular or oval carapace covering the front of the body, and a very long, thin abdomen that ends in a forked tail.

There is a wonderful website on the Cumacea that is part of the National Science Foundation's PEET (Partnership for Enhancing Expertise in Taxonomy) project (outside link).

The image of the painting above is used with permission from the artist, Barbara Duperron. The image is ©2006 Barbara Duperron.

Size: small to medium
Identifying feature(s): round carapace and long, forked tail
Habitat: estuaries