Live Baltic Isopod (Idotea balthica)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.
The Baltic Isopod (Idotea balthica) is a small, flattened crustacean found among seaweed and eelgrass along Maine’s sheltered coastal waters. These hardy intertidal isopods are known for their camouflage coloration—ranging from green to brown, often with white spots or stripes—which helps them blend seamlessly into their habitat. As grazers and scavengers, they play an important ecological role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems. Each specimen is sustainably hand-collected from eelgrass and algal beds in the Gulf of Maine, making them excellent for aquariums, classroom study, and marine biology research.
Key Facts:
Common name: Baltic isopod
Scientific name: Idotea balthica
Locations: Sea bed near seaweed and eelgrass
Seasonality: Available all year
Colors: Green, brown, white spotted or striped
Size: ¼”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com
Live Baltic Isopod (Idotea balthica)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.
The Baltic Isopod (Idotea balthica) is a small, flattened crustacean found among seaweed and eelgrass along Maine’s sheltered coastal waters. These hardy intertidal isopods are known for their camouflage coloration—ranging from green to brown, often with white spots or stripes—which helps them blend seamlessly into their habitat. As grazers and scavengers, they play an important ecological role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems. Each specimen is sustainably hand-collected from eelgrass and algal beds in the Gulf of Maine, making them excellent for aquariums, classroom study, and marine biology research.
Key Facts:
Common name: Baltic isopod
Scientific name: Idotea balthica
Locations: Sea bed near seaweed and eelgrass
Seasonality: Available all year
Colors: Green, brown, white spotted or striped
Size: ¼”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com
Baltic isopod (Idotea balthica).
Tidepool Tim says, “This species of isopod eats seaweeds! They live in shallow areas inhabited by algae and eelgrass. Look for three thorns on their tail plate to know you’ve got one.”
