Oithona [Oithona]

Description

Oithona is a genus of small copepods that are found in marine environments worldwide. These tiny crustaceans are a critical component of the zooplankton community, serving as a pivotal link in the aquatic food web by transferring energy from primary producers (like phytoplankton) to larger predators. Oithona species are characterized by their cylindrical bodies, short antennae, and the presence of a distinctively shaped genital segment in females. They are known for their ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions, from coastal to open ocean waters, and from surface layers to the deep sea. Their adaptability and reproductive strategies make them one of the most abundant and widespread genera of copepods in marine ecosystems.

Species

Oithona [Oithona atlantica]

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Taxonomy