Distribution of Calanus species in Kongsfjorden, a glacial fjord in Svalbard

Copepods of the genus Calanus are the dominant herbivores in sub-Arctic and Arctic seas. They play a key role in pelagic food webs and thus largely influence the energy flow and functioning of productive marine ecosystems Arctic copepods are rich in lipids and represent an important food source for other zooplankton species, pelagic fishes such as polar cod (Boreogadus saida)