ICES Plankton Identification Leaflet No. 203 Centropages Krøyer, 1849, authored by María Luz Fernández de Puelles from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, provides detailed taxonomic keys for identifying Centropages species found in the ICES area, as well as those found in the Mediterranean and Black seas. The genus includes some of the most abundant copepods in European shelf waters, with Centropages typicus alone representing 10–50% of total copepod abundance, depending on season and location.
These millimetre-sized organisms play crucial roles in marine food webs and serve as indicators of environmental change. Accurate identification is essential for ecosystem monitoring, yet researchers have been relying on taxonomic guidance dating back to 1948. The new update reflects decades of advances in understanding species distributions, morphology, and genetics.
The leaflet includes step-by-step identification keys for males and females, high-quality diagnostic illustrations, distribution maps, and links to molecular data for genetic confirmation. It also addresses taxonomic challenges, including cryptic species that are morphologically similar but genetically distinct.
Peer-reviewed by taxonomic experts, Centropages Krøyer, 1849 is available as part of ICES ongoing efforts to provide essential identification resources for the marine science community. ICES Identification Leaflets for Plankton series continues to update historic leaflets while expanding coverage to previously undocumented groups.
