Megacalanidae is a deep water, bathypelagic, copepod with that is found in diffeferent places around the world. The depths at which it has been collected has varied, with an estimated maximum depth between 600 and 2000 m. (Owre & Foyo, 1964; Michel, 1994). It is mentioned that a the life history stages and population densities of Megacalanidae is relatively unknown, and large amounts of deep-water sampling is needed to learn about these "primitive and successful copepods" (Michel, 1994). However, it is also mentioned that one speces of Megacalanidae, Megacalanus princeps,is relatively common (Michel, 1994).
They are known to be the Southern Ocean and have been collected by the United States Antarctic Research Program, which has found 12 deep-living megacalanid species. Samping has also reported Megacalanus princeps and Bathycalanus richardi in temperate and tropical climates off the Americas and Africa (Michel, 1994).
It is also known thatMegacalanus princep hasluminescence (Herring, 1988).
Megacalanidae is a family of copepods belonging to the order Calanoida.[1]
Genera:[1]
Megacalanidae is a family of copepods belonging to the order Calanoida.
Genera:
Bathycalanus Sars, 1905 Bradycalanus Scott, 1909 Elenacalanus Bradford-Grieve, Blanco-Bercial & Boxshall, 2017 Megacalanus Wolfenden, 1904
