Antarctic copepod [Labidocera antarctica]
Description
Labidocera antarctica, or the Antarctic copepod, is a species native to the cold waters of the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. This species is noted for its ability to survive in extremely low temperatures. It feeds on phytoplankton and serves as a primary food source for krill and other larger marine animals. The females of this species are larger and have a more rounded body shape than the males.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Calanoida
Calanoida
|
| Family |
Arietellidae
Arietellidae
|
| Genus |
Labidocera
Labidocera
|