Copepoda
Copepods are small crustaceans that constitute the order Copepoda. They are one of the most abundant and diverse groups of animals on Earth, found in all aquatic environments, from freshwater lakes and ponds to the open ocean. Copepods play a vital role in marine ecosystems, serving as a primary food source for a variety of fish, whales, and other marine animals.
Common Names
Copepods are commonly referred to as "water fleas" due to their jerky swimming movements, though they are not related to true fleas. Other common names include "cyclopoids" and "calanoids," referring to specific suborders.
Characteristics
Copepods are typically 1 to 2 millimeters long, although some species can grow up to several centimeters. They have a segmented body, with a distinct head, thorax, and abdomen. They possess a pair of antennae, which are used for swimming and sensing, and one pair of mandibles for feeding. Most copepods have a chitinous exoskeleton, which they shed periodically as they grow.
Copepods are known for their distinctive feeding mechanisms. Some species are filter feeders, using their antennae to trap microscopic algae and other organic matter from the water. Others are predatory, using their mandibles to capture and consume other small invertebrates.
Environments
Copepods are found in a wide range of aquatic habitats, including:
- Marine environments: Oceans, seas, and coastal waters.
- Freshwater environments: Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.
- Brackish water environments: Estuaries and salt marshes.
References
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