Idotea granulosa

Idotea granulosa is a crustacean belonging to the family Idoteidae. It is typically found in the Northeast Atlantic, inhabiting shallow waters with a depth range from 0 to 11 meters. This species is commonly associated with brackish environments and is often found in eelgrass beds and on the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum. As a mesoherbivore, Idotea granulosa feeds primarily on the meristematic apices of A. nodosum. Smaller individuals tend to graze on the macroepiphytes of the same alga, showing a preference for these smaller organisms. The reproductive cycle of Idotea granulosa involves indirect sperm transfer, with eggs being brooded in the marsupium. These eggs eventually hatch into manca postlarvae, which then develop into adults. Mating usually occurs before and sometimes during the parturial molt. Members of the order Isopoda, to which this species belongs, are generally gonochoric, meaning individuals are distinctly male or female. Divers encountering Idotea granulosa may find them in shallow, temperate waters, often clinging to eelgrass or algae. Although their conservation status has not been evaluated by the IUCN, they are not known to pose any threat to humans.