Species
Cyclopoid copepod
Oithona similis
Oithona similis is a tiny copepod that feeds on very small plankton and microzooplankton in cold and temperate seas.
Ecoregions
Norwegian Current
Ecoregion types
Polar & Subpolar
Trophic levels
Secondary Consumer
Video
No video mapped for this species yet.
About this species
Species identity
Oithona similis is a common cyclopoid copepod that helps move energy from microscopic plankton to fish larvae and larger consumers. It is often abundant even when larger plankton are scarce.
Where it lives
Oithona similis is widespread in the world ocean and especially common in cool northern waters. It thrives in plankton-rich current systems, including subpolar North Atlantic environments.
Role in the ecosystem
Cyclopoid copepod shows how very small grazers can still matter at larger ecosystem scales.
Citation
https://www.ices.dk/sites/pub/CM%20Doccuments/2000/M/M0900.pdf
Explore and connect
Open the secondary consumer view and compare this species with related marine life.