Copepod

harpacticoid sp.

Systematics:Copepoda Family Harpacticidae

Distinguishing Characters:
Copepods are generally very small crustaceans and may be among the most numerous of all, especially considering that much of the oceanic plankton is comprised of copepods. The cephalosome, a shield covering the head is a feature of all free living copepods as is the central simple eye.

General Biology:
This species is one of thousands but is yet to be identified. It lives in seaweeds where it crawls about on the surface of the leaves. This specimen is 2 mm long.

Feedback and queries should be sent to the Discovery Centre at Museum Victoria.
Please note, the Discovery Centre can help you only with questions about crustaceans from southeastern Australia. It can not advise on the care of pet hermit crabs or on crustaceans from other regions.