Oithonidae [Oithonidae]

Description

Oithonidae are a family of cyclopoid copepods known for their small size and significant ecological role in marine food webs. They are predominantly marine, though some species can be found in brackish environments. Unlike many other copepods, Oithonidae tend to have slender bodies and elongated, narrow caudal rami. They are important grazers on phytoplankton and are, in turn, preyed upon by a wide array of planktivorous fish, contributing to the transfer of energy up the food chain. Their distribution is global, occurring from the tropics to temperate regions.

Genera

Taxonomy