Copepods are small crustaceans that can be regarded as the most numerous animals on our planet. They form an important part of the zooplankton and an essential role in the food chain. They eat phytoplankton (like diatoms) and are themselves food for fish.
This image shows an adult, an egg and a so called nauplius larva. Eggs are usually carried as 2 packages near the tail.

 
 

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