Spotted Coral Copepod [Chiridiella maculata]
Description
Chiridiella maculata, commonly known as the Spotted Coral Copepod, is a species of copepod in the family Aetideidae. It is found in the tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They live in and around coral reefs, where they feed on phytoplankton and microscopic algae. It is small in size, usually less than 1 centimeter in length, with a spotted pattern that serves as camouflage among the corals. The species is notable for its complex life cycle, involving multiple stages of growth and metamorphosis.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Cyclopoida
Cyclopoida
|
| Family |
Aetideidae
Aetideidae
|
| Genus |
Chiridiella
Chiridiella
|