SmallWhale

Krill: Tiny Ocean Superstars!

Imagine tiny shrimp swimming in huge ocean clouds! Krill are super important to the sea!

Images

Krill

Krill

wikipedia
Natalie Krill - 2017 CFC Annual BBQ Fundraiser (37168381575) (cropped)
jar of krill - Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba)
Antarctic krill ommatidia
Krill
Krill
Krill
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Krill with Phytoplankton
Krill, or tiny baby fresh water shrimp- sold by the cupful!
Krill

Key Facts

Scientific Name
Order Euphausiacea.
Habitat
Cold oceans worldwide, especially the Antarctic.
Diet
Mostly phytoplankton (tiny ocean plants).
Size
About as long as your fingernail, up to 2 inches (5 cm).
Lifespan
Around 5-7 years.
Conservation Status
Least Concern, but populations can change.
Fun Fact
Krill can glow in the dark!

Meet the Krill Crew!

Krill are like tiny, see-through shrimp that live in the ocean. They are super important because lots of other animals, like whales and penguins, love to eat them! There are many different kinds of krill, but they all look pretty similar. They have lots of little legs that help them swim and find food. Krill are small, but they are mighty in the ocean world!

Where Do Krill Hang Out?

Krill love to swim in the cold oceans all around the world. You can find them in the big, icy waters near the North and South Poles, like the Arctic and Antarctic. They also live in other oceans, but they really like it when the water is chilly. Sometimes, they swim together in groups so big they look like a giant, moving cloud in the sea!

What's on the Krill Menu?

Krill are mostly plant-eaters, which means they munch on tiny ocean plants called phytoplankton. Imagine them nibbling on green algae! They use their little legs to scoop up these tiny plants from the water. Sometimes, they might eat other tiny creatures too, but plants are their favorite snack. It’s amazing how much food they need to eat to grow!

Krill: Food for Everyone!

Krill are super important because they are food for so many other animals. Big blue whales, playful seals, and speedy penguins all gobble up krill. Without krill, these animals wouldn't have enough to eat! Krill are like the ocean's fast food for bigger creatures. They are a vital part of the ocean's food chain, helping everything stay healthy.

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Based on content from Wikipedia Β· Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0