There are over 7,000 species of these shrimp-like creatures found around the world.

The species in this order are 3/16 to 3/4 of an inch in length. They look like tiny shrimp or fleas. They have humped backs, several pairs of legs, and two pairs of antennae. They are usually white, brown, or gray.

Amphipods are scavengers and eat animal and plant debris. Female amphipods keep their eggs in a body pouch until they hatch.

Species in this order are found in marine habitats, freshwater habitats, and on land. The species that live on land are found in moist environments.

Marine amphipods are a food source for lots of bird, fish, and sea mammal species, including the huge gray whale.