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2018.05.25

Alien in the deep-sea!! Deep-sea pram bug exhibit.

We are happy to announce our deep-sea pram bug exhibit. This deep-sea creature is a species of crustacean (like crabs or lobsters), but it may remind you of an alien.

  • Deep-sea pram bug exhibit.
  • Deep-sea pram bug exhibit.

≪Deep-sea pram bug exhibit≫
Scientific name：Phronima sedentaria

The deep-sea pram bug is a crustacean that reaches three centimeters in length. It swims and floats in the sea, and preys on salps. A deep-sea pram bug can feed on the internal organs of salps, then use the outer parts for nesting and nursing. When inside a barrel-shaped salp, the deep-sea pram bug floats as it rolls in the water. Because it looks like it is rolling a barrel from within, it is called tarumawashi (barrel roller) in Japanese.

 

Location

Small Life in the Deep Sea corner, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Start of exhibit

From Saturday May 19th, 2018
※ Exhibit may close depending on the condition of the creatures.

Staff from Churaumi Aquarium joined a Hiroshima University research expedition on their ship the Toyoshiomaru. The deep-sea pram bugs on display were collected using special plankton nets at a depth of around 1000 meters.
In this exhibit there are more than 10 individuals which is the largest number ever displayed. The lives of deep-sea pram bugs are relatively short, so please come visit them soon!

Inquiries

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

905-0206
424 Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL:+81-980-48-3748 FAX:+81-980-48-4444