Animal Profiles
Crustaceans

Krill

Euphausiacea

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Krill are small marine crustaceans. This account follows Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a swarming Southern Ocean species that transfers plankton energy through the food web.

Euphausia superba, the representative described in this account.

Euphausia superba, the representative described in this account.

Krill666.jpg : Uwe Kils I am willing to give the image in 1700 resolution to Wikipedia Uwe Kils · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Antarctic krill inhabit waters surrounding Antarctica, from shelf regions towards the polar front.
Habitat
Open ocean, Polar ice
Diet
Filter feeder
Food
Specialised limbs form a feeding basket that gathers phytoplankton and other particles.

Classification

Common name
Krill
Browse group
Crustaceans
Scientific name or taxon
Euphausiacea
Taxon rank
order
Order
Euphausiacea
Source classification
Malacostraca

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It forms large swarms.
  • Feeding limbs form a basket.
  • Ice algae provide winter food.

Habitat and range

Antarctic krill inhabit waters surrounding Antarctica, from shelf regions towards the polar front. Sea ice influences the availability of food during winter.

Appearance and adaptations

The translucent, shrimp-like body has swimming limbs, antennae and stalked eyes. Small light-producing organs occur at several points on the body.

Diet and behaviour

Specialised limbs form a feeding basket that gathers phytoplankton and other particles. Ice-associated algae are important in winter. Krill may also consume small animals or organic remains when available.

Sources

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