What is this organism?

Question

"As we have seen in this module, the waters off the coast of Peru are special indeed. Can you name the important Primary Consumer in the above pictures? It's not necessary to name the specific species. Just tell me what type of organism."

It looks like some kind of bug... is it a type of phytoplankton?

http://i30.tinypic.com/14wgllc.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/246rqds.jpg

Answer 1

krill, maybe.

Answer 2

I think it is a krill or some sort of shrimp.

Answer 3

i think it is a copepod (Calanus?)

Answer 4

Hi those are pictures of a copepod.  It is a type of zooplankton.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copepod

Answer 5

This looks to be a nauplius larvae very typical of ocean breeding organisms. They are common in the beginning phases of life and differentiate shortly afterwards. It is too early to tell exactly what the species is as yet but soon. It is zooplankton not phytoplankton b/c it is a living animal matter.

Answer 6

super imposed picture of a penny.