black sea red data book - Department of Biology

Biancolina cuniculus (Stebbing, 1874)
Synonyms: Amphithoe cuniculus Stebbing, 1874; Biancolina algicola Delia Valle,
1893.
Common names: None.
Taxonomic description. Head large, with two lateral lobes where the two pairs of
antennae articulate. Antenna I much longer than antenna U, in the male reaching
more than half of the body length. The two pairs of female gnatopods similar, male
gnatopods II much stronger than gnatopods I. Male gnatopod II with a large propodus
and a deeply excavated palm edge. Outer ramus of uropod III armed, on the edge,
with two upward-pointing thin hooks.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: EN
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Macrophyte fields,
especially Cystoseira belts'. Treatened by disappearance of Cystoseira belts, pollution,
eutrophication.
Order AMPHIPODA
Family AMPHITHOIDAE
Biology. A phytophilic species, detritivorous and herbivorous.
Population trends. In 1961 - 30 ind.m 2
on rocky substratum with macrophytes; in
1970-1974, 57-88 ind.kg 1
of wet macrophyte substratum. Research on the rocky and
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