Species
Arctic amphipod
Themisto libellula
Themisto libellula is a large amphipod predator that hunts smaller zooplankton in Arctic and subpolar waters.
Ecoregions
Norwegian Current
Ecoregion types
Polar & Subpolar
Trophic levels
Primary Consumer
Video
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About this species
Species identity
Themisto libellula is a cold-water amphipod that occupies a predatory zooplankton role in northern seas. It is an important prey item for fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
Where it lives
Themisto libellula is found in Arctic and subpolar seas, including the Norwegian and Barents Sea region. It is especially associated with cold waters where large zooplankton prey are available.
Role in the ecosystem
Arctic amphipod helps show that not all primary consumers are herbivores and that food webs can branch within the plankton.
Scientific reference
Citation
https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=156452#distributions
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