Description: This is a mesopelagic amphipod from the genus Cystisoma.
Based on the elongate first antennae, this beast must be Cystisoma latipes (Stephensen, 1918) or C. gershwinae Zeidler, 2003.
The wedge-shaped head in lateral profile indicates the former. C. latipes is not widely reported but appears to be pan-oceanic in lower latitudes and has been recorded from the western Indian Ocean.
It is almost transparent, the only pigment is the eye.
These are large amphipods: this specimen is probably about 50 mm in length. Item Type: Video Title: Pelagic Amphipod Copyright: SERPENT Species: Cystisoma sp. Behaviour: Swimming Site: Indian -- Indian Ocean -- East Africa -- Pweza-3 Depth (m): 1418 Countries: East Africa -- Tanzania Habitat: Benthic boundary zone Rig: Deep Sea Metro I Project Partners: BG Group, Oceaneering ROV: Millennium 113 Deposited By: Dr Andrew Gates Deposited On: 18 August 2015
