Drachiella
Drachiella is a genus of marine copepods belonging to the family Corycaeidae. Copepods are small crustaceans that play a vital role in marine ecosystems as primary consumers and a food source for larger organisms. Drachiella species are commonly found in coastal waters and open oceans around the world.
Common Names
There are no widely recognized common names for Drachiella species.
Characteristics
Drachiella copepods are characterized by their distinctive body shape and specialized feeding appendages. They are typically small, ranging in size from a few millimeters to a centimeter or more. Their bodies are often flattened dorsoventrally, with a prominent cephalosome (head region) and a segmented metasome (trunk region). Their most notable feature is the presence of a pair of large, elongated antennae that are used for swimming and capturing prey.
Drachiella species are carnivorous and feed primarily on other zooplankton, such as other copepods, larvae, and small crustaceans. They have a unique feeding mechanism involving specialized feeding appendages called maxillipeds. These appendages are used to capture and manipulate prey, bringing it to the mouth for consumption.
Environments
Drachiella copepods are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters
- Open oceans
- Estuaries
- Upwelling zones
They are often abundant in areas with high productivity and a rich supply of zooplankton prey. Drachiella species can be found at various depths, from the surface to deeper waters.
References
For more information about Drachiella, consult the following sources: