Wonderful Wacky Water Critters
Scud or Amphipod
Can you tell why the scud is often called the sideswimmer? Its shape helps it cut through the river current without being washed downstream. Its shape also allows it to swim fast to get away from predators. Scuds are found mostly at night looking for a tasty dinner of decaying plants and animals. The scud has an excellent sense of touch which helps it find food in the dark. This sideswimmer has gills for breathing. Can you find them? (Hint, look on its legs.) A young scud looks just like an adult, only smaller.
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