Krill Aggregation (Biotic Group)

Component: Biotic

Unique Identifier: 441

Biotic Setting	Planktonic Biota
Biotic Group	Zooplankton
Biotic Subclass	Crustacean Holoplankton
Biotic Group	Krill Aggregation
Biotic Community	Euphausia Aggregation Thysanoessa Aggregation

Description

Definition

Water parcels in which shrimp-like krill constitute the dominant form of zooplankton. Most krill species are filter feeders, with a preference for diatoms. Biomass per square meter can be very high in krill aggregations, and they are a critical food source for many large consumers.