Big red copepod
Megacalanus sp.
- Not on exhibit
- Animal type
- Invertebrates
- Ecosystem
- Deep sea
- Relatives
- Other copepods; Order: Calanoida
- Diet
- Plankton and organic matter
- Range
- Worldwide from the surface to 20,000 ft. (6,000 m)
- Size
- Up to 0.7 inches (17 mm) in length
Meet the big red copepod
These small shrimplike animals form an important part of the ocean food web. First, they feast on tiny plankton and organic matter drifting down from the surface. Then these copepods become food for larger animals.
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