Sea Sapphire [Sapphirina metallina]
Description
Sapphirina metallina, also known as the Sea Sapphire, is a species of copepod that is found in warm seas. The males are known for their ability to reflect light in a way that makes them appear to change color and even disappear. This is due to the crystal-like structures on their cuticle. They primarily eat phytoplankton and their behavior is heavily influenced by light conditions.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Poecilostomatoida
Poecilostomatoida
|
| Family |
Sapphirinids
Sapphirinidae
|
| Genus |
Sapphirina
Sapphirina
|