The marine crustacean krill has not been a traditional food. Public acceptance will depend on nutritive value. Krill oil appears to have potential as a treatment for arthritis.
Other jellyfish predators are the most common. Penguins, seabirds, seals, fish, and whales all eat krill. Krill are important as the main diet for marine predators in the Southern Ocean.
Krill have been harvested for humans since the 19th century. Most krill is used as feed and bait; some is prepared for human consumption. Enzymes are interesting for medical applications.
Is krill a fish or shrimp?
Krill are small crustaceans, not fish. They are related to shrimp and lobster. Krill feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton. Krill are a vital food source for many larger animals. Some krill species live over 5 years. Krill grow up to 6 cm long. The name “krill” means “small fry of fish” in Norwegian. But krill are crustaceans. Krill have an exoskeleton and gills. Krill swim using pleopods. Krill oil contains omega-3s. Krill oil may reduce inflammation. Penguins, seals, whales eat krill. Loss of sea ice impacts krill. Climate change threatens krill populations. Krill fishing increased since 1970s. Krill fishing impacts food chains. Krill fishing is mostly for aquaculture feed. Only small percentage of krill is for human consumption.
What is special about krill?
Krill are small, shrimp-like crustaceans. They consume phytoplankton and small organisms in the ocean. Krill are a key food source for whales, seals, penguins and fish.
Krill oil is an emerging omega-3 supplement. Krill capsules provide powerful health benefits. Krill live in the Southern Ocean. The word “krill” means small fry of fish in Norwegian. However, krill are crustaceans, not fish. Krill oil differs from fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil are delivered differently in the body.
Krill are critical in the marine food chain. They serve as a primary food source for many marine species. Krill consume phytoplankton and release carbon-rich fecal pellets. These sink to the ocean floor.
Antarctic krill has the greatest biomass of any non-domestic animal on Earth. There are 85 known krill species assigned to two families. Antarctic krill resemble small shrimp with large black eyes. Their bodies have a reddish-orange tinge. The tail has legs for feeding and grooming.
Krill are actually tiny shrimp-like crustaceans. They are extremely important for the marine ecosystem. Without krill, the ocean could become devastated. Krill have short lifespans, usually six years. Due to abundance and reproduction rates, krill provide a sustainable food source. Krill also help combat climate change.
Why do people eat krill?
Krill is rich in nutrients like omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients protect against diseases. Krill has more protein than beef.
Krill has high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It has more antioxidants than fish. This suggests benefits against diseases. Krill flesh has vitamins, minerals like calcium, and vitamin B-12.
Humans have not traditionally eaten krill. Public acceptance depends partly on its nutritive value.
In Southeast Asia, krill is widely consumed as shrimp paste. It has a stronger flavor and commands a higher price.
Rising temperatures reduce plankton growth. Plankton loss removes krill habitat and food. Declining sea ice also reduces krill habitat. So when sea ice declines, krill declines. Plankton are marine organisms carried by currents.
Krill are tiny shrimp-like crustaceans. They are important for oceans. Without them, oceans could be devastated. How can whales eat only small crustaceans and get full? How does climate change affect krill?
Krill eat only algae. So krill meat has few pollutants. Krill meat has health benefits like lowering disease risk factors.
Krill can live up to 10 years despite hunting. They avoid Antarctic predators deep below the surface.
Krill are quite salty with a hard exoskeleton. This must be removed before eating as it has toxic fluorine.