Ilia nucleus

Ilia nucleus is a benthic crustacean belonging to the family Leucosiidae, commonly found in the subtropical waters of the Northeast Atlantic, including regions such as Spain, Italy, and the Canary Islands. This species is part of the order Decapoda, which is characterized by its members having ten limbs. Ilia nucleus is usually found at depths shallower than 110 meters, with a significant number of occurrences recorded at depths less than 40 meters. The reproductive behavior of Ilia nucleus includes a precopulatory courtship ritual, which involves olfactory and tactile cues, and usually involves indirect sperm transfer. Divers encountering Ilia nucleus may find it harmless, as it poses no threat to humans. Its conservation status has not been evaluated by the IUCN, CITES, or CMS.