Distributional patterns and habitat characteristics of Amphipoda (Crustacea) in the inland waters of Israel and Sinai

Ten amphipod (Crustacea) species from the inland waters of Israel and Sinai have been identified (Gammarus syriacus, G. pseudosyriacus, Echinogammarus n. sp., E. foxi, E. veneris, Corophium orientalis, Orchestia cavimana, O. platensis, Bogidiella hebraea and Metacrangonyx n. sp.). These species display two principal distribution patterns: a marine origin derived pattern and a north-south pattern typical of the freshwater fauna of the Levant. The understanding of these patterns aids in the elucidation of the zoogeography of the region. Within their ranges the common Gammarus and Echinogammarus species display differences in preference for current velocities, salinities and habitat types. The influence of man-induced habitat destruction on the amphipod fauna is also discussed.