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🚨 ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY 🚨
Hyalella azteca is a widespread and abundant species complex of amphipod crustacean in North America. It reaches 3–8 mm (0.12–0.31 in) long, and is found in a range of fresh and brackish waters. It feeds on algae and diatoms and is a major food of waterfowl.
Hyalella azteca has body plan similar to most amphipods and is a classic freshwater example of the order. They grow to a length of 3–8 millimetres (0.12–0.31 in), with males being larger than females. Their color is variable, but the most frequent hues are white, green and brown.
This amphipod lives among vegetation and sediments in permanent bodies of freshwater, including lakes and rivers, extending into tidal fresh water, and freshwater barrier lagoons. It is the most abundant amphipod of lakes in North America, with golf course ponds sometimes supporting large populations.