Cyclopoida sp. (unidentified)
Tiny benthic crustaceans that hunt bacteria, rotifers, and organic particles along the substrate and plant surfaces of the Freshwater Lake, this group expanded after the removal of the Flagfish and is closely associated with the decomposing plant matter and biofilms accumulating on the lake bottom.
Freshwater copepods were observed throughout the water column by 2026-04-13 and again in close-up swimming footage on 2026-04-16 after Flagfish removal reduced predation pressure. Treat this Cyclopoida node as an order-level public graph participant, not proof of order-specific abundance, reproduction, or observed feeding by cyclopoids alone.
Primary Consumer and predator. Hunts bacteria, rotifers, nematodes, and small invertebrates along the substrate and plant surfaces; also consumes fine organic particles and detritus. Benthic feeding mode distinguishes Cyclopoida from the open-water Calanoida node. No direct feeding behavior observed in miniBIOTA; trophic role is based on order-level biology.
Extremely tough. They can tolerate very low oxygen levels and high organic waste. However, they are highly sensitive to copper and chemical water treatments.
Continuous breeding. The absence of a fish predator has allowed their bottom-dwelling larvae to survive and grow safely on the sand and plants.
They act as active microbial hunters and waste recyclers. By feeding on rotifers, organic debris, and biofilm, they help keep the bottom clean and act as a critical high-protein food source for larger detritivores like crayfish and ghost shrimp.
Follow this species across the habitats where it currently appears in the miniBIOTA biosphere.
