Knowledge of the oceans is more than a - Adapt Alaska · plankton with too much light, so reduce...
Transcript of Knowledge of the oceans is more than a - Adapt Alaska · plankton with too much light, so reduce...
Knowledge of the oceans is more than a matter of curiosity
Our very survival may hinge upon itldquo
- John F Kennedy -
Quick Plankton Guide
ChaetocerosConscinodiscus Chaetoceros Ditylum
Cylindrotheca Stephanopyxis ThalassionemaNavicula
dinoflagellate Protoperidinium
dinoflagellate Ceratium
dinoflagellate CeratiumLicmorpha
ciliates radiolarian foramniferan jelly medusa
jelly medusa ctenophore ctenophore Oweniidae larva
Quick Plankton Guide
polychaete larvae arrow worm snail veliger pteropod
bivalve veliger cladoceran copepod nauplius copepod
cumacean krill barnacle nauplius barnacle cyprid
shrimp crab zoea crab megalop urchin larva
sea star larva tunicate larva fish egg fish larva
Diatoms Kingdom Protista
Phylum Bacillariophyta
5-60 microm
chains can be longer
Taxonomy Size
Diatoms are single-celled algae usuallygolden-brown or yellow-green Diatoms typicallydominate the phytoplankton community intemperate regions They are importantproducers forming the base of ocean foodchains Diatoms are probably the single mostimportant food source in the ocean
Energy sourceSun - Diatoms are photosynthesizers
Predators Zooplankton
Life spanA few days to a few weeks
Viewing tipsTo see phytoplankton well you typically need100X magnification or greater It is easy to floodplankton with too much light so reduce lightand illuminate the slide from below
Interesting factsDiatoms produce oxygen through the process of
photosynthesis and along with the other phytoplankton are responsible for 50-85 of theEarthrsquos oxygen
Diatoms use oil and many spines to help stay afloat in the ocean Some also form chains toincrease their ability to float Floating near the surface is important because diatoms needthe sun to produce energy and the sunlight only penetrates to approx 600 ft
The shape of a diatom is often what is used to identify it There are three major shapes
Disc-likecentric diatoms (shell radiates from a central point) Rod-like
Boat-shapedpennate diatoms
There are thousands of different phytoplankton Using the pictures on the next few pagesyou can identify some of these diatoms by their shape We have featured the most common diatoms seen in Kachemak Bay Remember that some diatom species can ldquochainuprdquo and create different shapes
Diatom - disc-like or centric SizeConscinodiscus spp top view
200-300 microm
side view
Diatom - disc-like - Chaetoceros spp Size
100-500 microm
This genus is one of the largest of marine plankton with 400 species described
Diatom - triangular Size Ditylum 250 microm
SizeDiatom - cylindrical chain 100 micromStephanopyxis
Diatom - rod-like chain Size Thalassionema 300-400 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size
Cylindrotheca 100-1000 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size Size
100 microm Psedo-nitzschiaBacillaria 100 microm
Diatom - boat-like or pennate
Protoperidinium sp
Dinoflagellates Kingdom Protista
Phylum Dinoflagellata 100-2000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Dinoflagellates are complex one-celled algaein the Protista kingdom
Energy sourceDinoflagellates are odd members of thephytoplankton community While typicallyconsidered plant-like due to their capacity tophotosynthesize they can swim using twotiny whip-like flagella like simple animalsSome even eat other organisms which mostplants are not capable of
Predators Small crustaceans fish larvae and other protists
Interesting factsSome dinoflagellates are bioluminescentcreating light when disturbed by waves boatwakes or predators
Toxic red tides are sometimes caused bymembers of this group The genus that isharmful here in Kachemak Bay isAlexandrium When large blooms of thesedinoflagellates occur fish and filter-feedinginvertebrates like clams become contaminated
The cell wall of some dinoflagellates arearmored with plates composed of cellulose
Dinoflagellate Size Ceratium spp 100 microm
Dinoflagellate SizeCeratium spp 100 microm
Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Class Crustacea Subclass Copepoda ndash Subclass Ostracoda ndash
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Porifera ndash sponges
Phylum Cnidaria Class Hydrozoa ndash hydroids hydromedusae Class Scyphozoa ndash true jellyfish Class Anthozoa ndash sea anemones corals sea pens
Phylum Ctenophora ndash comb jellies
Phylum Platyhelminthes ndash flatworms
Phylum Nemertea ndash ribbon worms
Phylum Annelida Class Polychaete ndash polychaete worms
Phylum Sipuncula ndash peanut worms
Phylum Echiura ndash fat innkeeper
Phylum Mollusca Class Polyplacophora ndash chitons
Class Gastropoda Subclass Prosobranchia - snails
Subclass Heterobranchia Superorder Opisthobranchia ndash nudibranchs
Class Bivalvia ndash clams mussels scallops Class Cephalopoda ndash octopuses squids
copepods ostracods
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Arthropoda (continued) Subclass Malacostraca
Order Mysidacea ndash mysid shrimp Order Hemicaridea ndash cumaceans
Order Edriophthalma Suborder Isopoda ndash isopods
Suborder Amphipoda ndash amphipods Order Euphausiacea ndash krill
Order Decapoda Suborder Dendrobranchiata ndash large shrimps prawns Suborder Eukyphida ndash small shrimps Suborder Reptantia ndash crabs (+ lobsters crayfish) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia ndash barnacles
Phylum Brachiopoda ndash brachiopods lamp shells
Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) ndash bryozoans
Phylum Echinodermata Class Asteroidea ndash sea stars
Class Ophiuroidea ndash brittle stars Class Echinoidea ndash sea urchins Class Holothuroidea ndash sea cucumbers
Phylum Chordata Subphylum Urochordata ndash tunicates
Class Ascidiacea ndash sea squirts Class Thaliacea ndash salps
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Quick Plankton Guide
ChaetocerosConscinodiscus Chaetoceros Ditylum
Cylindrotheca Stephanopyxis ThalassionemaNavicula
dinoflagellate Protoperidinium
dinoflagellate Ceratium
dinoflagellate CeratiumLicmorpha
ciliates radiolarian foramniferan jelly medusa
jelly medusa ctenophore ctenophore Oweniidae larva
Quick Plankton Guide
polychaete larvae arrow worm snail veliger pteropod
bivalve veliger cladoceran copepod nauplius copepod
cumacean krill barnacle nauplius barnacle cyprid
shrimp crab zoea crab megalop urchin larva
sea star larva tunicate larva fish egg fish larva
Diatoms Kingdom Protista
Phylum Bacillariophyta
5-60 microm
chains can be longer
Taxonomy Size
Diatoms are single-celled algae usuallygolden-brown or yellow-green Diatoms typicallydominate the phytoplankton community intemperate regions They are importantproducers forming the base of ocean foodchains Diatoms are probably the single mostimportant food source in the ocean
Energy sourceSun - Diatoms are photosynthesizers
Predators Zooplankton
Life spanA few days to a few weeks
Viewing tipsTo see phytoplankton well you typically need100X magnification or greater It is easy to floodplankton with too much light so reduce lightand illuminate the slide from below
Interesting factsDiatoms produce oxygen through the process of
photosynthesis and along with the other phytoplankton are responsible for 50-85 of theEarthrsquos oxygen
Diatoms use oil and many spines to help stay afloat in the ocean Some also form chains toincrease their ability to float Floating near the surface is important because diatoms needthe sun to produce energy and the sunlight only penetrates to approx 600 ft
The shape of a diatom is often what is used to identify it There are three major shapes
Disc-likecentric diatoms (shell radiates from a central point) Rod-like
Boat-shapedpennate diatoms
There are thousands of different phytoplankton Using the pictures on the next few pagesyou can identify some of these diatoms by their shape We have featured the most common diatoms seen in Kachemak Bay Remember that some diatom species can ldquochainuprdquo and create different shapes
Diatom - disc-like or centric SizeConscinodiscus spp top view
200-300 microm
side view
Diatom - disc-like - Chaetoceros spp Size
100-500 microm
This genus is one of the largest of marine plankton with 400 species described
Diatom - triangular Size Ditylum 250 microm
SizeDiatom - cylindrical chain 100 micromStephanopyxis
Diatom - rod-like chain Size Thalassionema 300-400 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size
Cylindrotheca 100-1000 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size Size
100 microm Psedo-nitzschiaBacillaria 100 microm
Diatom - boat-like or pennate
Protoperidinium sp
Dinoflagellates Kingdom Protista
Phylum Dinoflagellata 100-2000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Dinoflagellates are complex one-celled algaein the Protista kingdom
Energy sourceDinoflagellates are odd members of thephytoplankton community While typicallyconsidered plant-like due to their capacity tophotosynthesize they can swim using twotiny whip-like flagella like simple animalsSome even eat other organisms which mostplants are not capable of
Predators Small crustaceans fish larvae and other protists
Interesting factsSome dinoflagellates are bioluminescentcreating light when disturbed by waves boatwakes or predators
Toxic red tides are sometimes caused bymembers of this group The genus that isharmful here in Kachemak Bay isAlexandrium When large blooms of thesedinoflagellates occur fish and filter-feedinginvertebrates like clams become contaminated
The cell wall of some dinoflagellates arearmored with plates composed of cellulose
Dinoflagellate Size Ceratium spp 100 microm
Dinoflagellate SizeCeratium spp 100 microm
Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Class Crustacea Subclass Copepoda ndash Subclass Ostracoda ndash
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Porifera ndash sponges
Phylum Cnidaria Class Hydrozoa ndash hydroids hydromedusae Class Scyphozoa ndash true jellyfish Class Anthozoa ndash sea anemones corals sea pens
Phylum Ctenophora ndash comb jellies
Phylum Platyhelminthes ndash flatworms
Phylum Nemertea ndash ribbon worms
Phylum Annelida Class Polychaete ndash polychaete worms
Phylum Sipuncula ndash peanut worms
Phylum Echiura ndash fat innkeeper
Phylum Mollusca Class Polyplacophora ndash chitons
Class Gastropoda Subclass Prosobranchia - snails
Subclass Heterobranchia Superorder Opisthobranchia ndash nudibranchs
Class Bivalvia ndash clams mussels scallops Class Cephalopoda ndash octopuses squids
copepods ostracods
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Arthropoda (continued) Subclass Malacostraca
Order Mysidacea ndash mysid shrimp Order Hemicaridea ndash cumaceans
Order Edriophthalma Suborder Isopoda ndash isopods
Suborder Amphipoda ndash amphipods Order Euphausiacea ndash krill
Order Decapoda Suborder Dendrobranchiata ndash large shrimps prawns Suborder Eukyphida ndash small shrimps Suborder Reptantia ndash crabs (+ lobsters crayfish) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia ndash barnacles
Phylum Brachiopoda ndash brachiopods lamp shells
Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) ndash bryozoans
Phylum Echinodermata Class Asteroidea ndash sea stars
Class Ophiuroidea ndash brittle stars Class Echinoidea ndash sea urchins Class Holothuroidea ndash sea cucumbers
Phylum Chordata Subphylum Urochordata ndash tunicates
Class Ascidiacea ndash sea squirts Class Thaliacea ndash salps
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Quick Plankton Guide
polychaete larvae arrow worm snail veliger pteropod
bivalve veliger cladoceran copepod nauplius copepod
cumacean krill barnacle nauplius barnacle cyprid
shrimp crab zoea crab megalop urchin larva
sea star larva tunicate larva fish egg fish larva
Diatoms Kingdom Protista
Phylum Bacillariophyta
5-60 microm
chains can be longer
Taxonomy Size
Diatoms are single-celled algae usuallygolden-brown or yellow-green Diatoms typicallydominate the phytoplankton community intemperate regions They are importantproducers forming the base of ocean foodchains Diatoms are probably the single mostimportant food source in the ocean
Energy sourceSun - Diatoms are photosynthesizers
Predators Zooplankton
Life spanA few days to a few weeks
Viewing tipsTo see phytoplankton well you typically need100X magnification or greater It is easy to floodplankton with too much light so reduce lightand illuminate the slide from below
Interesting factsDiatoms produce oxygen through the process of
photosynthesis and along with the other phytoplankton are responsible for 50-85 of theEarthrsquos oxygen
Diatoms use oil and many spines to help stay afloat in the ocean Some also form chains toincrease their ability to float Floating near the surface is important because diatoms needthe sun to produce energy and the sunlight only penetrates to approx 600 ft
The shape of a diatom is often what is used to identify it There are three major shapes
Disc-likecentric diatoms (shell radiates from a central point) Rod-like
Boat-shapedpennate diatoms
There are thousands of different phytoplankton Using the pictures on the next few pagesyou can identify some of these diatoms by their shape We have featured the most common diatoms seen in Kachemak Bay Remember that some diatom species can ldquochainuprdquo and create different shapes
Diatom - disc-like or centric SizeConscinodiscus spp top view
200-300 microm
side view
Diatom - disc-like - Chaetoceros spp Size
100-500 microm
This genus is one of the largest of marine plankton with 400 species described
Diatom - triangular Size Ditylum 250 microm
SizeDiatom - cylindrical chain 100 micromStephanopyxis
Diatom - rod-like chain Size Thalassionema 300-400 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size
Cylindrotheca 100-1000 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size Size
100 microm Psedo-nitzschiaBacillaria 100 microm
Diatom - boat-like or pennate
Protoperidinium sp
Dinoflagellates Kingdom Protista
Phylum Dinoflagellata 100-2000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Dinoflagellates are complex one-celled algaein the Protista kingdom
Energy sourceDinoflagellates are odd members of thephytoplankton community While typicallyconsidered plant-like due to their capacity tophotosynthesize they can swim using twotiny whip-like flagella like simple animalsSome even eat other organisms which mostplants are not capable of
Predators Small crustaceans fish larvae and other protists
Interesting factsSome dinoflagellates are bioluminescentcreating light when disturbed by waves boatwakes or predators
Toxic red tides are sometimes caused bymembers of this group The genus that isharmful here in Kachemak Bay isAlexandrium When large blooms of thesedinoflagellates occur fish and filter-feedinginvertebrates like clams become contaminated
The cell wall of some dinoflagellates arearmored with plates composed of cellulose
Dinoflagellate Size Ceratium spp 100 microm
Dinoflagellate SizeCeratium spp 100 microm
Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Class Crustacea Subclass Copepoda ndash Subclass Ostracoda ndash
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Porifera ndash sponges
Phylum Cnidaria Class Hydrozoa ndash hydroids hydromedusae Class Scyphozoa ndash true jellyfish Class Anthozoa ndash sea anemones corals sea pens
Phylum Ctenophora ndash comb jellies
Phylum Platyhelminthes ndash flatworms
Phylum Nemertea ndash ribbon worms
Phylum Annelida Class Polychaete ndash polychaete worms
Phylum Sipuncula ndash peanut worms
Phylum Echiura ndash fat innkeeper
Phylum Mollusca Class Polyplacophora ndash chitons
Class Gastropoda Subclass Prosobranchia - snails
Subclass Heterobranchia Superorder Opisthobranchia ndash nudibranchs
Class Bivalvia ndash clams mussels scallops Class Cephalopoda ndash octopuses squids
copepods ostracods
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Arthropoda (continued) Subclass Malacostraca
Order Mysidacea ndash mysid shrimp Order Hemicaridea ndash cumaceans
Order Edriophthalma Suborder Isopoda ndash isopods
Suborder Amphipoda ndash amphipods Order Euphausiacea ndash krill
Order Decapoda Suborder Dendrobranchiata ndash large shrimps prawns Suborder Eukyphida ndash small shrimps Suborder Reptantia ndash crabs (+ lobsters crayfish) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia ndash barnacles
Phylum Brachiopoda ndash brachiopods lamp shells
Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) ndash bryozoans
Phylum Echinodermata Class Asteroidea ndash sea stars
Class Ophiuroidea ndash brittle stars Class Echinoidea ndash sea urchins Class Holothuroidea ndash sea cucumbers
Phylum Chordata Subphylum Urochordata ndash tunicates
Class Ascidiacea ndash sea squirts Class Thaliacea ndash salps
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Diatoms Kingdom Protista
Phylum Bacillariophyta
5-60 microm
chains can be longer
Taxonomy Size
Diatoms are single-celled algae usuallygolden-brown or yellow-green Diatoms typicallydominate the phytoplankton community intemperate regions They are importantproducers forming the base of ocean foodchains Diatoms are probably the single mostimportant food source in the ocean
Energy sourceSun - Diatoms are photosynthesizers
Predators Zooplankton
Life spanA few days to a few weeks
Viewing tipsTo see phytoplankton well you typically need100X magnification or greater It is easy to floodplankton with too much light so reduce lightand illuminate the slide from below
Interesting factsDiatoms produce oxygen through the process of
photosynthesis and along with the other phytoplankton are responsible for 50-85 of theEarthrsquos oxygen
Diatoms use oil and many spines to help stay afloat in the ocean Some also form chains toincrease their ability to float Floating near the surface is important because diatoms needthe sun to produce energy and the sunlight only penetrates to approx 600 ft
The shape of a diatom is often what is used to identify it There are three major shapes
Disc-likecentric diatoms (shell radiates from a central point) Rod-like
Boat-shapedpennate diatoms
There are thousands of different phytoplankton Using the pictures on the next few pagesyou can identify some of these diatoms by their shape We have featured the most common diatoms seen in Kachemak Bay Remember that some diatom species can ldquochainuprdquo and create different shapes
Diatom - disc-like or centric SizeConscinodiscus spp top view
200-300 microm
side view
Diatom - disc-like - Chaetoceros spp Size
100-500 microm
This genus is one of the largest of marine plankton with 400 species described
Diatom - triangular Size Ditylum 250 microm
SizeDiatom - cylindrical chain 100 micromStephanopyxis
Diatom - rod-like chain Size Thalassionema 300-400 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size
Cylindrotheca 100-1000 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size Size
100 microm Psedo-nitzschiaBacillaria 100 microm
Diatom - boat-like or pennate
Protoperidinium sp
Dinoflagellates Kingdom Protista
Phylum Dinoflagellata 100-2000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Dinoflagellates are complex one-celled algaein the Protista kingdom
Energy sourceDinoflagellates are odd members of thephytoplankton community While typicallyconsidered plant-like due to their capacity tophotosynthesize they can swim using twotiny whip-like flagella like simple animalsSome even eat other organisms which mostplants are not capable of
Predators Small crustaceans fish larvae and other protists
Interesting factsSome dinoflagellates are bioluminescentcreating light when disturbed by waves boatwakes or predators
Toxic red tides are sometimes caused bymembers of this group The genus that isharmful here in Kachemak Bay isAlexandrium When large blooms of thesedinoflagellates occur fish and filter-feedinginvertebrates like clams become contaminated
The cell wall of some dinoflagellates arearmored with plates composed of cellulose
Dinoflagellate Size Ceratium spp 100 microm
Dinoflagellate SizeCeratium spp 100 microm
Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Class Crustacea Subclass Copepoda ndash Subclass Ostracoda ndash
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Porifera ndash sponges
Phylum Cnidaria Class Hydrozoa ndash hydroids hydromedusae Class Scyphozoa ndash true jellyfish Class Anthozoa ndash sea anemones corals sea pens
Phylum Ctenophora ndash comb jellies
Phylum Platyhelminthes ndash flatworms
Phylum Nemertea ndash ribbon worms
Phylum Annelida Class Polychaete ndash polychaete worms
Phylum Sipuncula ndash peanut worms
Phylum Echiura ndash fat innkeeper
Phylum Mollusca Class Polyplacophora ndash chitons
Class Gastropoda Subclass Prosobranchia - snails
Subclass Heterobranchia Superorder Opisthobranchia ndash nudibranchs
Class Bivalvia ndash clams mussels scallops Class Cephalopoda ndash octopuses squids
copepods ostracods
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Arthropoda (continued) Subclass Malacostraca
Order Mysidacea ndash mysid shrimp Order Hemicaridea ndash cumaceans
Order Edriophthalma Suborder Isopoda ndash isopods
Suborder Amphipoda ndash amphipods Order Euphausiacea ndash krill
Order Decapoda Suborder Dendrobranchiata ndash large shrimps prawns Suborder Eukyphida ndash small shrimps Suborder Reptantia ndash crabs (+ lobsters crayfish) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia ndash barnacles
Phylum Brachiopoda ndash brachiopods lamp shells
Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) ndash bryozoans
Phylum Echinodermata Class Asteroidea ndash sea stars
Class Ophiuroidea ndash brittle stars Class Echinoidea ndash sea urchins Class Holothuroidea ndash sea cucumbers
Phylum Chordata Subphylum Urochordata ndash tunicates
Class Ascidiacea ndash sea squirts Class Thaliacea ndash salps
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Diatom - disc-like or centric SizeConscinodiscus spp top view
200-300 microm
side view
Diatom - disc-like - Chaetoceros spp Size
100-500 microm
This genus is one of the largest of marine plankton with 400 species described
Diatom - triangular Size Ditylum 250 microm
SizeDiatom - cylindrical chain 100 micromStephanopyxis
Diatom - rod-like chain Size Thalassionema 300-400 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size
Cylindrotheca 100-1000 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size Size
100 microm Psedo-nitzschiaBacillaria 100 microm
Diatom - boat-like or pennate
Protoperidinium sp
Dinoflagellates Kingdom Protista
Phylum Dinoflagellata 100-2000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Dinoflagellates are complex one-celled algaein the Protista kingdom
Energy sourceDinoflagellates are odd members of thephytoplankton community While typicallyconsidered plant-like due to their capacity tophotosynthesize they can swim using twotiny whip-like flagella like simple animalsSome even eat other organisms which mostplants are not capable of
Predators Small crustaceans fish larvae and other protists
Interesting factsSome dinoflagellates are bioluminescentcreating light when disturbed by waves boatwakes or predators
Toxic red tides are sometimes caused bymembers of this group The genus that isharmful here in Kachemak Bay isAlexandrium When large blooms of thesedinoflagellates occur fish and filter-feedinginvertebrates like clams become contaminated
The cell wall of some dinoflagellates arearmored with plates composed of cellulose
Dinoflagellate Size Ceratium spp 100 microm
Dinoflagellate SizeCeratium spp 100 microm
Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Class Crustacea Subclass Copepoda ndash Subclass Ostracoda ndash
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Porifera ndash sponges
Phylum Cnidaria Class Hydrozoa ndash hydroids hydromedusae Class Scyphozoa ndash true jellyfish Class Anthozoa ndash sea anemones corals sea pens
Phylum Ctenophora ndash comb jellies
Phylum Platyhelminthes ndash flatworms
Phylum Nemertea ndash ribbon worms
Phylum Annelida Class Polychaete ndash polychaete worms
Phylum Sipuncula ndash peanut worms
Phylum Echiura ndash fat innkeeper
Phylum Mollusca Class Polyplacophora ndash chitons
Class Gastropoda Subclass Prosobranchia - snails
Subclass Heterobranchia Superorder Opisthobranchia ndash nudibranchs
Class Bivalvia ndash clams mussels scallops Class Cephalopoda ndash octopuses squids
copepods ostracods
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Arthropoda (continued) Subclass Malacostraca
Order Mysidacea ndash mysid shrimp Order Hemicaridea ndash cumaceans
Order Edriophthalma Suborder Isopoda ndash isopods
Suborder Amphipoda ndash amphipods Order Euphausiacea ndash krill
Order Decapoda Suborder Dendrobranchiata ndash large shrimps prawns Suborder Eukyphida ndash small shrimps Suborder Reptantia ndash crabs (+ lobsters crayfish) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia ndash barnacles
Phylum Brachiopoda ndash brachiopods lamp shells
Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) ndash bryozoans
Phylum Echinodermata Class Asteroidea ndash sea stars
Class Ophiuroidea ndash brittle stars Class Echinoidea ndash sea urchins Class Holothuroidea ndash sea cucumbers
Phylum Chordata Subphylum Urochordata ndash tunicates
Class Ascidiacea ndash sea squirts Class Thaliacea ndash salps
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Diatom - disc-like - Chaetoceros spp Size
100-500 microm
This genus is one of the largest of marine plankton with 400 species described
Diatom - triangular Size Ditylum 250 microm
SizeDiatom - cylindrical chain 100 micromStephanopyxis
Diatom - rod-like chain Size Thalassionema 300-400 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size
Cylindrotheca 100-1000 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size Size
100 microm Psedo-nitzschiaBacillaria 100 microm
Diatom - boat-like or pennate
Protoperidinium sp
Dinoflagellates Kingdom Protista
Phylum Dinoflagellata 100-2000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Dinoflagellates are complex one-celled algaein the Protista kingdom
Energy sourceDinoflagellates are odd members of thephytoplankton community While typicallyconsidered plant-like due to their capacity tophotosynthesize they can swim using twotiny whip-like flagella like simple animalsSome even eat other organisms which mostplants are not capable of
Predators Small crustaceans fish larvae and other protists
Interesting factsSome dinoflagellates are bioluminescentcreating light when disturbed by waves boatwakes or predators
Toxic red tides are sometimes caused bymembers of this group The genus that isharmful here in Kachemak Bay isAlexandrium When large blooms of thesedinoflagellates occur fish and filter-feedinginvertebrates like clams become contaminated
The cell wall of some dinoflagellates arearmored with plates composed of cellulose
Dinoflagellate Size Ceratium spp 100 microm
Dinoflagellate SizeCeratium spp 100 microm
Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Class Crustacea Subclass Copepoda ndash Subclass Ostracoda ndash
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Porifera ndash sponges
Phylum Cnidaria Class Hydrozoa ndash hydroids hydromedusae Class Scyphozoa ndash true jellyfish Class Anthozoa ndash sea anemones corals sea pens
Phylum Ctenophora ndash comb jellies
Phylum Platyhelminthes ndash flatworms
Phylum Nemertea ndash ribbon worms
Phylum Annelida Class Polychaete ndash polychaete worms
Phylum Sipuncula ndash peanut worms
Phylum Echiura ndash fat innkeeper
Phylum Mollusca Class Polyplacophora ndash chitons
Class Gastropoda Subclass Prosobranchia - snails
Subclass Heterobranchia Superorder Opisthobranchia ndash nudibranchs
Class Bivalvia ndash clams mussels scallops Class Cephalopoda ndash octopuses squids
copepods ostracods
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Arthropoda (continued) Subclass Malacostraca
Order Mysidacea ndash mysid shrimp Order Hemicaridea ndash cumaceans
Order Edriophthalma Suborder Isopoda ndash isopods
Suborder Amphipoda ndash amphipods Order Euphausiacea ndash krill
Order Decapoda Suborder Dendrobranchiata ndash large shrimps prawns Suborder Eukyphida ndash small shrimps Suborder Reptantia ndash crabs (+ lobsters crayfish) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia ndash barnacles
Phylum Brachiopoda ndash brachiopods lamp shells
Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) ndash bryozoans
Phylum Echinodermata Class Asteroidea ndash sea stars
Class Ophiuroidea ndash brittle stars Class Echinoidea ndash sea urchins Class Holothuroidea ndash sea cucumbers
Phylum Chordata Subphylum Urochordata ndash tunicates
Class Ascidiacea ndash sea squirts Class Thaliacea ndash salps
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Diatom - triangular Size Ditylum 250 microm
SizeDiatom - cylindrical chain 100 micromStephanopyxis
Diatom - rod-like chain Size Thalassionema 300-400 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size
Cylindrotheca 100-1000 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size Size
100 microm Psedo-nitzschiaBacillaria 100 microm
Diatom - boat-like or pennate
Protoperidinium sp
Dinoflagellates Kingdom Protista
Phylum Dinoflagellata 100-2000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Dinoflagellates are complex one-celled algaein the Protista kingdom
Energy sourceDinoflagellates are odd members of thephytoplankton community While typicallyconsidered plant-like due to their capacity tophotosynthesize they can swim using twotiny whip-like flagella like simple animalsSome even eat other organisms which mostplants are not capable of
Predators Small crustaceans fish larvae and other protists
Interesting factsSome dinoflagellates are bioluminescentcreating light when disturbed by waves boatwakes or predators
Toxic red tides are sometimes caused bymembers of this group The genus that isharmful here in Kachemak Bay isAlexandrium When large blooms of thesedinoflagellates occur fish and filter-feedinginvertebrates like clams become contaminated
The cell wall of some dinoflagellates arearmored with plates composed of cellulose
Dinoflagellate Size Ceratium spp 100 microm
Dinoflagellate SizeCeratium spp 100 microm
Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Class Crustacea Subclass Copepoda ndash Subclass Ostracoda ndash
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Porifera ndash sponges
Phylum Cnidaria Class Hydrozoa ndash hydroids hydromedusae Class Scyphozoa ndash true jellyfish Class Anthozoa ndash sea anemones corals sea pens
Phylum Ctenophora ndash comb jellies
Phylum Platyhelminthes ndash flatworms
Phylum Nemertea ndash ribbon worms
Phylum Annelida Class Polychaete ndash polychaete worms
Phylum Sipuncula ndash peanut worms
Phylum Echiura ndash fat innkeeper
Phylum Mollusca Class Polyplacophora ndash chitons
Class Gastropoda Subclass Prosobranchia - snails
Subclass Heterobranchia Superorder Opisthobranchia ndash nudibranchs
Class Bivalvia ndash clams mussels scallops Class Cephalopoda ndash octopuses squids
copepods ostracods
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Arthropoda (continued) Subclass Malacostraca
Order Mysidacea ndash mysid shrimp Order Hemicaridea ndash cumaceans
Order Edriophthalma Suborder Isopoda ndash isopods
Suborder Amphipoda ndash amphipods Order Euphausiacea ndash krill
Order Decapoda Suborder Dendrobranchiata ndash large shrimps prawns Suborder Eukyphida ndash small shrimps Suborder Reptantia ndash crabs (+ lobsters crayfish) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia ndash barnacles
Phylum Brachiopoda ndash brachiopods lamp shells
Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) ndash bryozoans
Phylum Echinodermata Class Asteroidea ndash sea stars
Class Ophiuroidea ndash brittle stars Class Echinoidea ndash sea urchins Class Holothuroidea ndash sea cucumbers
Phylum Chordata Subphylum Urochordata ndash tunicates
Class Ascidiacea ndash sea squirts Class Thaliacea ndash salps
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Diatom - rod-like chain Size Thalassionema 300-400 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size
Cylindrotheca 100-1000 microm
Diatom - rod-like Size Size
100 microm Psedo-nitzschiaBacillaria 100 microm
Diatom - boat-like or pennate
Protoperidinium sp
Dinoflagellates Kingdom Protista
Phylum Dinoflagellata 100-2000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Dinoflagellates are complex one-celled algaein the Protista kingdom
Energy sourceDinoflagellates are odd members of thephytoplankton community While typicallyconsidered plant-like due to their capacity tophotosynthesize they can swim using twotiny whip-like flagella like simple animalsSome even eat other organisms which mostplants are not capable of
Predators Small crustaceans fish larvae and other protists
Interesting factsSome dinoflagellates are bioluminescentcreating light when disturbed by waves boatwakes or predators
Toxic red tides are sometimes caused bymembers of this group The genus that isharmful here in Kachemak Bay isAlexandrium When large blooms of thesedinoflagellates occur fish and filter-feedinginvertebrates like clams become contaminated
The cell wall of some dinoflagellates arearmored with plates composed of cellulose
Dinoflagellate Size Ceratium spp 100 microm
Dinoflagellate SizeCeratium spp 100 microm
Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Class Crustacea Subclass Copepoda ndash Subclass Ostracoda ndash
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Porifera ndash sponges
Phylum Cnidaria Class Hydrozoa ndash hydroids hydromedusae Class Scyphozoa ndash true jellyfish Class Anthozoa ndash sea anemones corals sea pens
Phylum Ctenophora ndash comb jellies
Phylum Platyhelminthes ndash flatworms
Phylum Nemertea ndash ribbon worms
Phylum Annelida Class Polychaete ndash polychaete worms
Phylum Sipuncula ndash peanut worms
Phylum Echiura ndash fat innkeeper
Phylum Mollusca Class Polyplacophora ndash chitons
Class Gastropoda Subclass Prosobranchia - snails
Subclass Heterobranchia Superorder Opisthobranchia ndash nudibranchs
Class Bivalvia ndash clams mussels scallops Class Cephalopoda ndash octopuses squids
copepods ostracods
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Arthropoda (continued) Subclass Malacostraca
Order Mysidacea ndash mysid shrimp Order Hemicaridea ndash cumaceans
Order Edriophthalma Suborder Isopoda ndash isopods
Suborder Amphipoda ndash amphipods Order Euphausiacea ndash krill
Order Decapoda Suborder Dendrobranchiata ndash large shrimps prawns Suborder Eukyphida ndash small shrimps Suborder Reptantia ndash crabs (+ lobsters crayfish) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia ndash barnacles
Phylum Brachiopoda ndash brachiopods lamp shells
Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) ndash bryozoans
Phylum Echinodermata Class Asteroidea ndash sea stars
Class Ophiuroidea ndash brittle stars Class Echinoidea ndash sea urchins Class Holothuroidea ndash sea cucumbers
Phylum Chordata Subphylum Urochordata ndash tunicates
Class Ascidiacea ndash sea squirts Class Thaliacea ndash salps
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Diatom - rod-like Size Size
100 microm Psedo-nitzschiaBacillaria 100 microm
Diatom - boat-like or pennate
Protoperidinium sp
Dinoflagellates Kingdom Protista
Phylum Dinoflagellata 100-2000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Dinoflagellates are complex one-celled algaein the Protista kingdom
Energy sourceDinoflagellates are odd members of thephytoplankton community While typicallyconsidered plant-like due to their capacity tophotosynthesize they can swim using twotiny whip-like flagella like simple animalsSome even eat other organisms which mostplants are not capable of
Predators Small crustaceans fish larvae and other protists
Interesting factsSome dinoflagellates are bioluminescentcreating light when disturbed by waves boatwakes or predators
Toxic red tides are sometimes caused bymembers of this group The genus that isharmful here in Kachemak Bay isAlexandrium When large blooms of thesedinoflagellates occur fish and filter-feedinginvertebrates like clams become contaminated
The cell wall of some dinoflagellates arearmored with plates composed of cellulose
Dinoflagellate Size Ceratium spp 100 microm
Dinoflagellate SizeCeratium spp 100 microm
Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Class Crustacea Subclass Copepoda ndash Subclass Ostracoda ndash
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Porifera ndash sponges
Phylum Cnidaria Class Hydrozoa ndash hydroids hydromedusae Class Scyphozoa ndash true jellyfish Class Anthozoa ndash sea anemones corals sea pens
Phylum Ctenophora ndash comb jellies
Phylum Platyhelminthes ndash flatworms
Phylum Nemertea ndash ribbon worms
Phylum Annelida Class Polychaete ndash polychaete worms
Phylum Sipuncula ndash peanut worms
Phylum Echiura ndash fat innkeeper
Phylum Mollusca Class Polyplacophora ndash chitons
Class Gastropoda Subclass Prosobranchia - snails
Subclass Heterobranchia Superorder Opisthobranchia ndash nudibranchs
Class Bivalvia ndash clams mussels scallops Class Cephalopoda ndash octopuses squids
copepods ostracods
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Arthropoda (continued) Subclass Malacostraca
Order Mysidacea ndash mysid shrimp Order Hemicaridea ndash cumaceans
Order Edriophthalma Suborder Isopoda ndash isopods
Suborder Amphipoda ndash amphipods Order Euphausiacea ndash krill
Order Decapoda Suborder Dendrobranchiata ndash large shrimps prawns Suborder Eukyphida ndash small shrimps Suborder Reptantia ndash crabs (+ lobsters crayfish) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia ndash barnacles
Phylum Brachiopoda ndash brachiopods lamp shells
Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) ndash bryozoans
Phylum Echinodermata Class Asteroidea ndash sea stars
Class Ophiuroidea ndash brittle stars Class Echinoidea ndash sea urchins Class Holothuroidea ndash sea cucumbers
Phylum Chordata Subphylum Urochordata ndash tunicates
Class Ascidiacea ndash sea squirts Class Thaliacea ndash salps
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Protoperidinium sp
Dinoflagellates Kingdom Protista
Phylum Dinoflagellata 100-2000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Dinoflagellates are complex one-celled algaein the Protista kingdom
Energy sourceDinoflagellates are odd members of thephytoplankton community While typicallyconsidered plant-like due to their capacity tophotosynthesize they can swim using twotiny whip-like flagella like simple animalsSome even eat other organisms which mostplants are not capable of
Predators Small crustaceans fish larvae and other protists
Interesting factsSome dinoflagellates are bioluminescentcreating light when disturbed by waves boatwakes or predators
Toxic red tides are sometimes caused bymembers of this group The genus that isharmful here in Kachemak Bay isAlexandrium When large blooms of thesedinoflagellates occur fish and filter-feedinginvertebrates like clams become contaminated
The cell wall of some dinoflagellates arearmored with plates composed of cellulose
Dinoflagellate Size Ceratium spp 100 microm
Dinoflagellate SizeCeratium spp 100 microm
Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Class Crustacea Subclass Copepoda ndash Subclass Ostracoda ndash
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Porifera ndash sponges
Phylum Cnidaria Class Hydrozoa ndash hydroids hydromedusae Class Scyphozoa ndash true jellyfish Class Anthozoa ndash sea anemones corals sea pens
Phylum Ctenophora ndash comb jellies
Phylum Platyhelminthes ndash flatworms
Phylum Nemertea ndash ribbon worms
Phylum Annelida Class Polychaete ndash polychaete worms
Phylum Sipuncula ndash peanut worms
Phylum Echiura ndash fat innkeeper
Phylum Mollusca Class Polyplacophora ndash chitons
Class Gastropoda Subclass Prosobranchia - snails
Subclass Heterobranchia Superorder Opisthobranchia ndash nudibranchs
Class Bivalvia ndash clams mussels scallops Class Cephalopoda ndash octopuses squids
copepods ostracods
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Arthropoda (continued) Subclass Malacostraca
Order Mysidacea ndash mysid shrimp Order Hemicaridea ndash cumaceans
Order Edriophthalma Suborder Isopoda ndash isopods
Suborder Amphipoda ndash amphipods Order Euphausiacea ndash krill
Order Decapoda Suborder Dendrobranchiata ndash large shrimps prawns Suborder Eukyphida ndash small shrimps Suborder Reptantia ndash crabs (+ lobsters crayfish) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia ndash barnacles
Phylum Brachiopoda ndash brachiopods lamp shells
Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) ndash bryozoans
Phylum Echinodermata Class Asteroidea ndash sea stars
Class Ophiuroidea ndash brittle stars Class Echinoidea ndash sea urchins Class Holothuroidea ndash sea cucumbers
Phylum Chordata Subphylum Urochordata ndash tunicates
Class Ascidiacea ndash sea squirts Class Thaliacea ndash salps
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Dinoflagellate Size Ceratium spp 100 microm
Dinoflagellate SizeCeratium spp 100 microm
Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Class Crustacea Subclass Copepoda ndash Subclass Ostracoda ndash
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Porifera ndash sponges
Phylum Cnidaria Class Hydrozoa ndash hydroids hydromedusae Class Scyphozoa ndash true jellyfish Class Anthozoa ndash sea anemones corals sea pens
Phylum Ctenophora ndash comb jellies
Phylum Platyhelminthes ndash flatworms
Phylum Nemertea ndash ribbon worms
Phylum Annelida Class Polychaete ndash polychaete worms
Phylum Sipuncula ndash peanut worms
Phylum Echiura ndash fat innkeeper
Phylum Mollusca Class Polyplacophora ndash chitons
Class Gastropoda Subclass Prosobranchia - snails
Subclass Heterobranchia Superorder Opisthobranchia ndash nudibranchs
Class Bivalvia ndash clams mussels scallops Class Cephalopoda ndash octopuses squids
copepods ostracods
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Arthropoda (continued) Subclass Malacostraca
Order Mysidacea ndash mysid shrimp Order Hemicaridea ndash cumaceans
Order Edriophthalma Suborder Isopoda ndash isopods
Suborder Amphipoda ndash amphipods Order Euphausiacea ndash krill
Order Decapoda Suborder Dendrobranchiata ndash large shrimps prawns Suborder Eukyphida ndash small shrimps Suborder Reptantia ndash crabs (+ lobsters crayfish) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia ndash barnacles
Phylum Brachiopoda ndash brachiopods lamp shells
Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) ndash bryozoans
Phylum Echinodermata Class Asteroidea ndash sea stars
Class Ophiuroidea ndash brittle stars Class Echinoidea ndash sea urchins Class Holothuroidea ndash sea cucumbers
Phylum Chordata Subphylum Urochordata ndash tunicates
Class Ascidiacea ndash sea squirts Class Thaliacea ndash salps
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Class Crustacea Subclass Copepoda ndash Subclass Ostracoda ndash
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Porifera ndash sponges
Phylum Cnidaria Class Hydrozoa ndash hydroids hydromedusae Class Scyphozoa ndash true jellyfish Class Anthozoa ndash sea anemones corals sea pens
Phylum Ctenophora ndash comb jellies
Phylum Platyhelminthes ndash flatworms
Phylum Nemertea ndash ribbon worms
Phylum Annelida Class Polychaete ndash polychaete worms
Phylum Sipuncula ndash peanut worms
Phylum Echiura ndash fat innkeeper
Phylum Mollusca Class Polyplacophora ndash chitons
Class Gastropoda Subclass Prosobranchia - snails
Subclass Heterobranchia Superorder Opisthobranchia ndash nudibranchs
Class Bivalvia ndash clams mussels scallops Class Cephalopoda ndash octopuses squids
copepods ostracods
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Arthropoda (continued) Subclass Malacostraca
Order Mysidacea ndash mysid shrimp Order Hemicaridea ndash cumaceans
Order Edriophthalma Suborder Isopoda ndash isopods
Suborder Amphipoda ndash amphipods Order Euphausiacea ndash krill
Order Decapoda Suborder Dendrobranchiata ndash large shrimps prawns Suborder Eukyphida ndash small shrimps Suborder Reptantia ndash crabs (+ lobsters crayfish) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia ndash barnacles
Phylum Brachiopoda ndash brachiopods lamp shells
Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) ndash bryozoans
Phylum Echinodermata Class Asteroidea ndash sea stars
Class Ophiuroidea ndash brittle stars Class Echinoidea ndash sea urchins Class Holothuroidea ndash sea cucumbers
Phylum Chordata Subphylum Urochordata ndash tunicates
Class Ascidiacea ndash sea squirts Class Thaliacea ndash salps
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Zooplankton Taxonomy From Kingdom Animalia
PLANKTONIC SPECIES INCLUDED IN THIS TAXON
Phylum Arthropoda (continued) Subclass Malacostraca
Order Mysidacea ndash mysid shrimp Order Hemicaridea ndash cumaceans
Order Edriophthalma Suborder Isopoda ndash isopods
Suborder Amphipoda ndash amphipods Order Euphausiacea ndash krill
Order Decapoda Suborder Dendrobranchiata ndash large shrimps prawns Suborder Eukyphida ndash small shrimps Suborder Reptantia ndash crabs (+ lobsters crayfish) Class Maxillopoda Subclass Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia ndash barnacles
Phylum Brachiopoda ndash brachiopods lamp shells
Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) ndash bryozoans
Phylum Echinodermata Class Asteroidea ndash sea stars
Class Ophiuroidea ndash brittle stars Class Echinoidea ndash sea urchins Class Holothuroidea ndash sea cucumbers
Phylum Chordata Subphylum Urochordata ndash tunicates
Class Ascidiacea ndash sea squirts Class Thaliacea ndash salps
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Parafavella sp
Ciliates Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum CiliophoraClass Spiotrichea
20-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
A ciliate is a single-celled organism belong-ing to a group called protists It is recog-nized for having many cilia that it uses forlocomotion and to bring food to its icyto-stome or lsquocellular mouthrsquo Ciliates vary inshape and size They are found in all waterenvironments and often sediments
Energy sourceTiny piconanophytoplankton and bacteria
Predators Larger zooplankton - including copepodsfish larvae ctenophores dinoflagellatesand jellies - and invertebrate filter feeders
Viewing tipsLook for a clear vase or barrel shape withcilia at the opening
Interesting factsBecause ciliates provide a link beween thetiniest bacteria (piconanoplankton) and thelarger zooplankton that eat ciliates theyhave a major effect on the way the ocean ecosystems provide nutrients and energy The more piconanoplankton the moreciliates there are in the water
Tintinnopsis sp
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Radiolarians Holoplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom ProtistaPhylum ProtozoaClass Sarcodinea
Subclass ActinopodaOrder Radiolaria
30-300 microm
Taxonomy Size
Radiolarians are tiny single-celled organ-isms with radiating spines calledaxospodes Their skeleton is made of silicon dioxide or strontium sulfate They areentirely marine and primarily planktonicTheir skeletons sink to the ocean floor where under pressure and over time theymay form radiolarian chert a rock formationwhich can be seen on the south side of Kachemak Bay
Energy sourcePhytoplankton and zooplankton includingbacteria and detritus
Predators Larger zooplankton and invertebrate filterfeeders
Viewing tipsRarely seen in most Kachemak Bay plank-ton tows
Interesting factsThe name radiolarian comes from their radial symmetry
Cytoplasm extends from the inside to theoutside of their body
Radiolarians capture prey with temporaryprojections of their cytoplasm called psue-dopodia
Their presence in rock formations indicates
live radiolarian with cytoplasm sticking out
radiolarian skeleton
radiolarian chert
that the rocks were formed from ocean floor
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
unknown cydippid larva
sea gooseberry Pluerobrachia
bachei
Ctenophores Comb Jellies
Holoplankton(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Ctenophora 1-4 mm
Taxonomy Size
Pronounced with a silent c as ldquoteen-o-fourrdquo These macrozooplankton seem a lot likejellies but are not Ctenophores lack stingingcells and are harmless to humans
Energy sourceCopepods fish eggs mollusc larvae and otherctenophores They are considered ambushpredators using their sticky tentacles orexpandable sticky lobes to capture zooplank-ton
Predators Sea nettle and other jellies fish sea turtlesand other comb jellies
SeasonalityLate summer
Viewing tipsLook for eight iridescent bands of cilia Theycan be torn in the sample and you may onlysee part of them
Interesting factsThere are no freshwater species
If you hold a flashlight over a live ctenophorethe waving cilia will reflect beautiful rainbowcolors This is not bioluminescence (whichmany ctenophores do have)
Being transparent helps comb jellies avoidpredators
Ctenophores move in the direction of theirmouth
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
) do not
Polychaetes Worm Larvae
Meroplankton(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum AnnelidaClass Polychaete
Taxonomy Size
The best known annelid (segmented worm)
ment (known as the trochophoreeat but are nourished by a yolk from theegg Some polychaetes emerge from theegg as adults
Energy sourceZooplankton and phytoplankton
Predators Larger zooplankton and small fish
Viewing tipsTrochophores move with a spinning motion their cilia propelling them This movementcan help you identify them
Interesting factsThe polychaetes have amazing regenera-tive abilities They have been found toregenerate one body segment in a day
Polychaetes seem to align their reproduc-tion with lunar phases though exactly howis not understood
100 microm-6 mm
is the earthworm The 8000 known speciesof polychaete worms make up one class ofannelids Polychaete means many bristlesand they are so named because of the ciliathey use to move and eat with Most poly-chaete larvae in the early stage of develop-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Oweniidae larva Oweniidae larva
polychaete larva with egg polychaete larva
Spionidae larva Syllidae larva
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Snail Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton) Taxonomy Size
5-3 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum MolluscaClass Gastropoda
The planktonic larva of most gastropods isthe veliger A tiny fragile shell encases theciliated velum enabling the larva to staysuspended in the water column and eat bybeating its cilia
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
SeasonalityGastropod larvae usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsSome veligers are dark in color and easy tosee in a sample When the velum is retractedinside the shell they sink to the bottom of thesample jar If you swirl the jar in a circle theveligers may congregate in the centermaking them easy to capture with aneyedropper
The velum is often retracted and you seeonly the shell
adult snail
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Bivalve Veligers Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Mollusca
Class Bivalvia 600-1000 microm
Taxonomy Size
Shortly after an egg from a clam or otherbivalve hatches it develops cilia (hair-likestructures) which allow it to move within thewater column Clam larvae or veligers also develop two very thin shells called valveswhich catagorize them as bivalve members of the Mollusca phylum
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Fish larvae and invertebrate filter feeders
Life spanBivalve veligers usually spend 1-3 weeks asplankton before they settle to the bottom
Viewing tipsThe plankton veliger exhibit a classic clam-likeshape and are usually colorless
Interesting factsCilia fringe an organ called the velum which can sometimes be seen outside the shell
A foot develops which may also be spottedon the planktonic veliger larva
adult bivalve
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Cladocerans Water Fleas
Holoplankton (spends entire life cycle as plankton)
less than 2 mmKingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Class CrustaceaOrder Onychopoda
Taxonomy Size
Energy sourceDiatoms dinoflagellates ciliates and cope-pod larvae
Predators Larger zooplankton
Viewing tipsLook for the huge eyespot and the conspicu-ous external antennae
Interesting factsCladoceran young have no free larval formsinstead they are brooded within theirmotherrsquos carapace
They have an unusual mode of reproductioncalled parthenogenesis lsquoParthenogenisisrsquo(meaning lsquopure beginningrsquo) is where thefemale is the only parent of the offspring and there is no male involved in their conception
Podon sp
Podon sp with eggs
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Copepoda
avgerage size 1-2 mm(1000-2000 microm)
can be as small as 2 mm and as large as 10 mm
Taxonomy SizeCopepodsHoloplankton
(spends entire life cycle as plankton)
Copepods are macroplanktonic crustaceans found in both fresh and salt water Theyhave legs antennae and a segmented body
Energy sourcePrimarily phytoplankton but also microzooplankton
Predators Arrow worms larval fish (especially herring) jellies filter-feeding benthic invertebratesand salmon
Life spanOne week to two years (depending on species)
Life cycleAfter copepods emerge from eggs they go through many changes as they matureLike all crustaceans copepods molt their exoskeleton The first five to six moltingstages are called the naupliar stages nauplii are commonly seen in our planktonsamples There are also five or six copepodite stages before they areconsidered mature these stages look pretty much like adults
Viewing tipsCopepods have a single eyespot in the middle of their heads This simple eye candistinguish between light and dark Often copepod nauplii are mistaken for barnaclelarvae If the body shape is more rounded than shield-shaped and there are no lsquohornsrsquoon the head yoursquore probably looking at a copepod nauplius If your copepod is alivemake the drop on your slide small so it wonrsquot swim out of your range of view Often acopepod will be on its side and look like the photo below
Interesting facts Copepods are the most numerous multi-celled animal in the
ocean and possibly the most numerous on Earth
A single copepod may eat from 11000 to 373000 diatoms in 24 hours
There are over 24000 species of copepods The three most common orders are Calanoida - Abundant offshore with long antennae four abdominal segments and eggs in a single cluster Harpacticoida - Like to live nearshore and on the bottom Harpacticoids have shortened antennae and a less noticable division between body regions Cyclopoida - Only a few species They have shortened antennae and 5-6 abdominal segments Eggs are stored in paired sacs
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
SizeJuvenile Copepod
naupliar stage 200-300 microm
SizeAdult Copepods
Calanoid spp 2-5 mm
Harpacticoid spp
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
barnacle naupli
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass Maxillopoda
Subclass ThecostracaOrder Cirripedia
naupliar stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
Barnacles are crustaceans like shrimp andcrabs A larval barnacle or nauplius goesthrough six stages before metamorphosinginto a cyprid and then the adult form Naupliiare common in plankton samples fromestuaries
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders (including adultbarnacles)
Viewing tipsBarnacle nauplii have an eyespot and threepairs of appendages They can bedistinguished from other similar-lookingzooplankton by hornlike projections on theirshoulders and shield shaped back In aplankton sample they tend to swim in circlesupside down
Barnacle molts are also found in planktonsamples but can be broken up making themolts difficult to identify Samples from aharbor or ones taken when many barnaclesmolt their exoskeletons simultaneously can bequite full of these molts
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Barnacles Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
cyprid stage500-1000 microm
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MaxillopodaOrder Thecostraca
Order Cirripedia
Taxonomy Size
The cyprid larval stage develops after thenaupliar stages seen on the previous pageThe cyprid is adapted for selecting a suitablesurface to settle allowing it the best chanceto survive as an adult
Energy sourceThis is a non-feeding stage
Life spanThis stage can exists for up to thirteen days
Viewing tipsA cyprid is football-shaped with a transparentcovering You may see golden oil globulesinside and the legs may or may not bevisible
Interesting factsA cyprid will actually walk around on asurface (substrate) looking for a place tosettle Once a site is selected the barnacle will cement itself into place and undergo adramatic metamorphosis into the adult form
adult barnacle
barnacle cyprid
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
crab zoea
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum CrustaceaClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
zoeal stages200-500 microm
Taxonomy Size
After emerging from the egg the first larvalstages of a crab are called the zoeal stages
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Invertebrate filter feeders and larval fish
SeasonalitySome female crabs release their eggs on thelargest tides in April or May Zoea can beseen from January through July in planktonsamples The amount of time spent as a zoeadepending on how much and what kind ofphytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsIt can be easy to confuse crab zoea withcopepods and shrimp Look for the rostrum a spiny projection on a crab zoearsquos carapaceYou may need to turn the zoea over to see therostrum The spikes on the tail are importantfor identification of genus and species
Interesting factsCrab larvae have compound eyes like insectsand can see up and down at the same time
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
Crabs Meroplankton
(spends beginning of life cycle as plankton)
Kingdom AnimaliaPhylum Arthropoda
Subphylum Crustacea 1-7 mmClass MalacostracaSubclass Decopoda
megalopal stage
Taxonomy Size
After several larval zoeal stages a youngcrab molts into the megalopal stage
Energy sourcePhytoplankton
Predators Salmon herring pollock and invertebratefilter feeders
SeasonalityA crab spends from 1-10 months as amegalop again depending on how much andwhat kind of phytoplankton it can find to eat
Viewing tipsCrab megalops are easy to identify They arelarge and have the recognizable shape of acrab Their tail or telson may or may not bevisible If it is already tucked up under theabdomen the megalop is ready to settle tothe bottom
Interesting factsAdult salmon will move into estuaries to feed exclusively on crab megalops
When a megalop molts into its first adult crabstage it no longer is planktonic since it cannotstay suspended
adult crab
crab megalop
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-
HIGH SEAS DRIFTERS PLANKTON GUIDE Kachemak Bay Research Reserve ADFampG Sport Fish Division
95 Sterling Hwy Suite 2 Homer AK 99603
(907) 235-4799 wwwkbayrrorg
2008
PlanktoPlanktonn illuillustrations bystrations by CatieCatie BurschBursch Photos byPhotos by Homer High SchoolHomer High School Advanced Science students ampAdvanced Science students amp KachKachemakemak BayBay RReesearch Reserve staffsearch Reserve staff
The US Fish and Wildlife Servicersquos State Wildlife Grants program provided partial funding for production of this document
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game administers all programs and activities free from discrimination based on race color national origin age sex religion marital status pregnancy parenthood or disability The department administers all programs and activities in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program activity or facility or if you desire further information please write to ADFampG PO Box 25526 Juneau AK 99802-5526 US Fish and Wildlife Service 4040 N Fairfax Drive Suite 300 Webb Arlington VA 22203 or OEO US Department of the Interior Washington DC 20240
For information on alternative formats for this and other department publications please contact the department ADA Coordinator at (voice) 907-465-4120 (TDD) 907-465-3646 or (FAX) 907-465-2440
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is a unit of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- 0_Plankton_Guide_Cover
- 1_Plankton_Feild_Guide_Motto
- 2_Quick ref_plankton guide_1
- 3_Quick ref_plankton guide_2
- 4_Diatoms_1
- 5_Diatoms_2
- 6_Diatoms_3
- 7_Diatoms_4
- 8_Diatoms_5
- 9_Diatoms_6
- 10_Dinoflagellate_1
- 11_Dinoflagellate_2
- 12_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 13_Zooplankton_taxonomy
- 14_Ciliates
- 15_Radiolarians
- 16_Ctenophores
- 17_Polychaete_1
- 18_Polychaete_2
- 19_Snail_Veliger
- 20_Bivalve
- 21_Cladoceran
- 22_Copepod_1
- 23_Copepod_2
- 24_Barnacle_naupli
- 25_Barnacle_cyprid
- 26_Crab_Zoea
- 27_Crab_Megalop
- 28_Field_Guide_Back
-