Smallest migrant

Who

Copepods (subphylum Crustacea)

Where

Not Applicable

When

2010

Details

Copepods (subphylum Crustacea) are planktonic organisms measuring on average 1–2 mm (0.04–0.08 in) long, although some polar species might reach 1 cm (0.4 in) in length. Despite their tiny size, they are the principle diet of much of the oceans´ inhabitants – including whales. Copepods live predominantly at the bottom of the ocean to avoid predators, although make a nightly ascent to the surface to feed. This vertical migration is also considered the most massive migration.