Species
Red copepod
Calanus finmarchicus
Calanus finmarchicus is a lipid-rich copepod that connects spring plankton blooms to fish, seabirds, and whales in the North Atlantic.
Ecoregions
Norwegian Current
Ecoregion types
Polar & Subpolar
Trophic levels
Primary Consumer
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About this species
Species identity
Calanus finmarchicus is a small drifting crustacean that feeds mainly on phytoplankton. It stores large amounts of energy as oil and is one of the most important prey species in Norwegian Current ecosystems.
Where it lives
Calanus finmarchicus is widespread in the North Atlantic and especially important in Norwegian, Icelandic, and Barents Sea waters. It is abundant in surface waters during spring and summer, then migrates deeper as seasons change.
Role in the ecosystem
Red copepod is a core energy-transfer species in subpolar food webs.
Citation
https://www.ices.dk/sites/pub/CM%20Doccuments/2000/M/M0900.pdf
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