Copepod

Copepods are tiny crustaceans, about the size of a grain of rice or smaller, that live in oceans and freshwater environments around the world. These creatures are among the most abundant animals on Earth and form a crucial part of the food chain, serving as a primary food source for fish, whales, and other marine animals while also feeding on microscopic algae and plants. Because of their importance to ocean ecosystems and their incredible numbers, copepods play a vital role in cycling nutrients through aquatic environments and supporting the survival of larger marine life.