Common name: Antarctic krill

General information

Antarctic Krill, Euphausia superba, is a key species in the Southern Ocean ecosystem and although not a traditional choice for reef aquariums, it is of immense interest due to its role in the natural food chain. These small crustaceans are a crucial part of the diet for many marine species, including fish, whales, seals, and penguins.

In the aquarium trade, krill is often used as a high-quality frozen or freeze-dried food source for a variety of marine animals due to its high protein content and rich omega-3 fatty acids.

Care

While Antarctic Krill are not typically kept as pets in aquariums, understanding their natural environment can help aquarists appreciate the importance of providing a varied and nutritionally complete diet for their marine inhabitants. If live krill is used, they require cold, well-oxygenated water and are usually kept in specialized systems by aquaculture facilities or research institutions.

Reproduction

Antarctic Krill reproduce by releasing eggs into the water column, which then develop into free-swimming larvae. These larvae go through several stages before maturing into adults. The vast swarms of krill in the wild are a result of their high reproductive capacity.

Habitat

Euphausia superba is found in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. They live in large swarms and can be found at depths ranging from the surface to 3,000 meters, although they are most commonly found between 20 to 30 meters deep during the night as they migrate vertically in response to the availability of phytoplankton.