Krill [Euphausiidae]

Description

The Euphausiidae family, commonly known as krill, encompasses a group of small, shrimp-like marine crustaceans found in all the world's oceans. Members of this family are key components of the marine food web, serving as crucial prey for a variety of larger animals, including whales, seals, fish, and birds. Krill are characterized by their bioluminescent organs, which they use for attracting mates and deterring predators. They are also known for their massive swarms, which can stretch for kilometers in the ocean and contain millions of individuals. Krill feed on phytoplankton and to a lesser extent on zooplankton, using their fine, feather-like appendages to filter food from the water. They play a significant role in the ocean's carbon cycle by consuming carbon-rich surface algae and releasing it as fecal pellets that sink to the deep sea.

Genera

Taxonomy