Aetideidae [Aetideidae]

Description

Aetideidae is a family of deep-sea cyclopoid copepods that are an important component of the mesopelagic and bathypelagic faunal communities. These copepods are characterized by their elongated bodies and long, slender legs. Aetideidae are known for their adaptability to the deep-sea environment, exhibiting bioluminescence and other unique adaptations suited for survival in the dark, high-pressure depths. They play a critical role in deep-sea ecosystems, primarily as predators of smaller zooplankton and as prey for larger deep-sea organisms.

Genera

Taxonomy