Many animals hunt krill, playing a vital role in the Southern Ocean food web. Without krill, this ecosystem would collapse.
Several species depend heavily on krill as a primary food source. These include:
- Large Whales: Blue whales, among other baleen whales, consume massive quantities of krill.
- Seals: Leopard seals and other seal species are significant krill predators.
- Penguins: Various penguin species rely on krill as a crucial food source.
- Seabirds: Albatrosses and other seabirds also feed on krill.
- Fish: Several fish species include krill in their diet.
- Invertebrates: Squids and other invertebrates also consume krill.
In summary, a diverse range of marine animals, from massive whales to small invertebrates, rely on krill as a vital food source in the Southern Ocean.