What are krill?

Krill are tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans 🦐 that play an outsized role in the ocean. Found in every ocean on Earth, these small but mighty creatures are a vital part of marine food webs — especially in the Southern Ocean, where Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) form massive swarms that feed everything from penguins 🐧 and whales 🐋 to seabirds and seals 🦭.

Despite their size, krill are ecological powerhouses. They help cycle nutrients, store carbon in the deep sea, and transfer energy up the food chain. In short: no krill, no ocean as we know it.

They’re also fascinating in their own right — bioluminescent✨, adaptive, and surprisingly resilient. The more we learn about them, the more we realize just how much they matter. 🦐 = 🌊🌎💪