Harpacticoida
Sars 1903
Taxonomy
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum | Crustacea |
| Class | Maxillopoda |
| Subclass | Copepoda |
| Order | Harpacticoida |
Description
- The harpacticoid order consists of over 460 genera and approximately 3,000 species.
Size
- Variable
Distinguishing characteristics
- Variable in body form and colour.
Distribution
- Worldwide.
Additional notes
- This order is not common in plankton samples as members are primarily benthic or live in association with other organisms. Few are truly planktonic.
- The online version of Keys to Aid in the Identification of Marine Harpacticoid Copepods (Dr. JBJ Wells 1976) may assist in identification.