Arctic Copepod

Calanus hyperboerus is the preferred food for Bowhead whales.
(R. Hopcroft, UAF, Hidden Ocean 2005 NOAA.)

This copepod Calanus hyperboreus (up to 7mm in length) lives in the Arctic, usually within 500 meters of the surface. To survive the cold Arctic winters, Calanus hyperboreus builds up dense fat (lipid) supplies on its body, which makes it a preferred food of both ctenophores and bowhead whales.

Tags: Whales Arctic Zooplankton