Pentidotea kirchanskii

Pentidotea kirchanskii is a species of isopod found along the Northern Pacific coast, primarily between San Jose and San Diego, California. These crustaceans are typically found in intertidal zones, often clinging to surfgrass. This species inhabits shallow coastal waters, thriving in the benthic zone. Pentidotea kirchanskii engages in indirect sperm transfer, with eggs brooded in a marsupium before hatching into postlarval stages known as manca. Divers might encounter Pentidotea kirchanskii in the intertidal areas, where they may be observed clinging to surfgrass. As of now, there is no evaluation of its conservation status by the IUCN, and no specific threats to humans or uses by humans have been documented.