Lucifer copepod [Metridia lucens]
Description
Metridia lucens is a small marine copepod that is found in temperate and polar waters around the world. It is a significant component of the zooplankton community and an important source of food for many marine species. This species exhibits bioluminescence, releasing a blue light when disturbed. It feeds on phytoplankton and small zooplankton.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Calanoida
Calanoida
|
| Family |
Metridinidae
Metridinidae
|
| Genus |
Metridia
Metridia
|