Glyptidotea is a monotypic genus of isopod in the family Idoteidae.[1] Its sole member is Glyptidotea lichtensteini, the keeled isopod, a medium-sized isopod found on the coast of southern Africa.[2] [3]
The species has an elongate body with nearly parallel flanks. It bears a pattern of brown or pink blotches that serve as camouflage. A pronounced rostrum or spike extends from the front of the head and runs backwards over the center of the back in the form of a keel. The segments of the pleon are fused to the telson. Average size is 40 mm.[4]
G. lichtensteini occurs from the coast of southern Namibia at Lüderitz to the Transkei in South Africa. It inhabits the intertidal zone, where it may be found under boulders.[3] It has also been reported from seamounts and knolls.[2]