Copepoda

Synonyms

Calanoida

Calanoidas

Copepod

Copepodas

Copepods

Cyclopoida

Cyclopoidas

Harpacticoida

Harpacticoidas

Lepeophtheirus salmoni

Lepeophtheirus salmonis

Louse, Salmon

Louses, Salmon

Mesocyclop

Mesocyclops

Salmon Louse

Salmon Louses

Siphonostomatoida

Siphonostomatoidas

salmoni, Lepeophtheirus

A huge subclass of mostly marine CRUSTACEA, containing over 14,000 species. The 10 orders comprise both planktonic and benthic organisms, and include both free-living and parasitic forms. Planktonic copepods form the principle link between PHYTOPLANKTON and the higher trophic levels of the marine food chains.