Copepoda Collection

Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) with parasitic copepod (Ommatokoita elongata), under ice, Lancaster Sound, Nunavut, northern Baffin Island, Canada, Arctic

Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) with parasitic copepod (Ommatokoita elongata), under ice, Lancaster Sound, Nunavut, northern Baffin Island, Canada, Arctic

Marine planktonic Copepod (Sapphirina sp.) brightly coloured copepods. Deep sea species from Atlantic Ocean off Cape Verde. Captive

Copepod crustaceans
Copepoda or copepod crustaceans.: Calocalanus pavo male, Clytemnestra scutellata female, Oncaea venusta male, Cryptopontius thorelli female, Acontiophorus scutatus female, Corycaeus venustus female

Marine planktonic Copepod (Sapphirina sp. ) brightly coloured copepods
Marine planktonic Copepod (Sapphirina sp.) brightly coloured copepods. Deep sea species from Atlantic Ocean off Cape Verde. Captive

Copepods. Copepods are microscopic aquatic crustaceans found in waters around the world. They may either be free living or parasitic on other organisms

Illustration showing a variety of copopod crustaceans. Copepoda. - Ruderkrebse, 1 print : lithograph, color; sheet 36 x 26 cm. 1904

Calanoid, planktonic copepod
Copepods are crustaceans which live in oceans and freshwater and which function as an essential link in aquatic food chains

Copepod parasite
Specimen jar containing copepod parasites, which live on the body surface of salmon and in large numbers can cause damage to the fish. Specimens held at the Natural History Museum, London

Scientist at work at The Natural History Museum, London
Accurate identification of copepod crustaceans is a time consuming task for specialists, requiring meticulous sorting, dissection, and the use of high resolution microscopy

Copepod crustacean, light micrograph
Copepod crustacean. Light micrograph of the nauplius larva of a copepod crustacean (subclass Copepoda). This is the first stage in the life cycle of a copepod

Copepod with eggs. Free-swimming copepod carrying a cluster of eggs (red, left) under its tail. Copepods are microscopic aquatic crustaceans found in waters around the world

Copepod. Copepods are microscopic aquatic crustaceans found in waters around the world. They may either be free living or parasitic on other organisms

Copepod larva, light micrograph
Copepod larva. Differential interference contrast micrograph of a nauplius larva. A nauplius is the first larval stage of a crustacean in which the thorax and abdomen have not developed yet

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Copepoda, a diverse group of crustaceans, are found in various aquatic environments ranging from the deep sea to freshwater lakes. These tiny creatures play crucial roles in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey. One fascinating example of copepod interaction is seen with the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) and its parasitic copepod companion, Ommatokoita elongata. This copepod attaches itself to the shark's eyes, feeding on its host's blood and tissue. Despite this seemingly harmful relationship, it does not significantly harm the shark. Marine planktonic copepods like Sapphirina sp. , known for their vibrant colors, are another captivating sight. These small organisms drift along ocean currents, forming an essential part of the marine food chain. Their presence can create mesmerizing displays when illuminated by sunlight or artificial light sources. In scientific research laboratories such as The Natural History Museum in London, dedicated scientists study these remarkable creatures up close. Through careful observation and analysis under light microscopes, they unravel the mysteries surrounding copepod behavior and adaptations. The intricate world also includes various species that act as parasites on other organisms. These parasites have evolved unique mechanisms to attach themselves to their hosts while extracting nutrients for survival. Illustrations showcasing different types of copopod crustaceans highlight their incredible diversity within the Copepoda class. From calanoid planktonic copepods to those with distinct physical features or behaviors - each species contributes uniquely to our understanding of this complex group.