Deep sea krill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bentheuphausia amblyops |
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| after Mauchline 1971; after Sars 1885 | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Bentheuphausiidae
Colosi, 1917
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| Genus: |
Bentheuphausia
G. O. Sars, 1885
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| Species: |
B. amblyops
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| Binomial name | |
| Bentheuphausia amblyops G. O. Sars, 1883
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Bentheuphausia amblyops is a special type of krill. Krill are tiny, shrimp-like creatures that live in the ocean. They are a very important part of the ocean's food web.
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What is Bentheuphausia amblyops?
Bentheuphausia amblyops is unique because it is the only species in its group, called a genus. This genus is also the only one in its family, named Bentheuphausiidae. All other 85 known types of krill belong to a different family called Euphausiidae. This makes B. amblyops quite rare and interesting to scientists.
Where Does This Krill Live?
This deep-sea krill can be found in many parts of the world's oceans. It lives in the northern Atlantic Ocean, especially south of 40° North. You can also find it in the southern Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.
A Deep-Sea Dweller
B. amblyops is a bathypelagic krill. This means it lives in the very deep parts of the ocean, usually below 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet). Sunlight cannot reach these depths, so it's a dark and cold environment.
Special Features of B. amblyops
This krill has several features that set it apart from other krill species.
No Light Show
Most krill species are bioluminescent. This means they can produce their own light, like fireflies. However, Bentheuphausia amblyops is not bioluminescent. It does not glow in the dark ocean.
Unique Legs
Krill have special legs called pleopods. These are usually used for swimming or for mating. In B. amblyops, the first pair of pleopods is different. They are not shaped for mating like those of other krill.
Small Eyes
Compared to other krill, B. amblyops has smaller eyes. This makes sense because it lives in total darkness. Large eyes would not be very useful where there is no light.
Size of the Krill
Adult Bentheuphausia amblyops can grow to be about 4 to 5 centimeters (about 1.6 to 2 inches) long. That's roughly the size of your thumb!
