Copilia [Copilia]

Description

Copilia is a genus within the Sapphirinidae family, distinguished by their unique eye structure which is unlike that of most other copepods. These planktonic copepods have a pair of large, spherical, telescopic eyes that are not only distinct in their appearance but also in their function, providing the organism with an enhanced field of view in the dim oceanic environment. Like their relatives, they inhabit open marine waters worldwide, contributing to the mesopelagic and epipelagic ecosystems. Their bodies are elongated and somewhat transparent, with males typically showcasing more pronounced eye structures than females.

Species

Copilia mirabilis [Copilia mirabilis]

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Copilia quadrata [Copilia quadrata]