[2] Orchestia gammarellus is widely distributed from Norway and Iceland in the north, in coastal waters of European countries, and down to southwest Africa.

This amphipod lives in a wide range of habitats, occurring in marine environments such as shallow waters, the intertidal zone, and in estuaries.

It can be commonly found on shingle shores, under decaying debris concentrated around the high water mark.

[3] A study by the University of Plymouth found that organisms such as O. gammarellus may contribute to the production of secondary microplastics.

[4] The creatures can shred discarded plastic bags of various sorts into around 1.75 million microscopic fragments.