Krill: Euphausiacea

Physical characteristics: North Pacific krill measure about 0.75 inches (19 millimeters) and weigh about 0.003 ounces (0.1 grams).

Geographic range: They are found in the North Pacific Ocean, from North America to Japan.

Habitat: North Pacific krill live in open water at the edge of the continental shelf or just beyond. They are found at the surface to depths of about 984.24 feet (300 meters).

Diet: They eat plankton.

Behavior and reproduction: North Pacific krill rise to the surface to feed at night. They sink to lower levels during the day and seldom feed there, even if food is abundant. Males take part in one breeding season and live about two years. Females live longer and take part in two breeding seasons.

North Pacific krill rise to the surface to feed at night. They sink to lower levels during the day and seldom feed there, even if food is abundant. (Illustration by Bruce Worden. Reproduced by permission.)

North Pacific krill and people: This species is fished commercially in the United States, Canada, and Japan.

Conservation status: North Pacific krill are not considered endangered or threatened. ∎