Copepod
A copepod is a tiny aquatic crustacean found in marine and freshwater environments, playing a key role in aquatic food webs.
Also known as: calanoid copepod
How big is it?
2 mm · defined body length
Also 0.07874 in
Defined body length · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.
A little perspective
Copepod vs Chia seed: length comparison
The body length of a copepod is approximately equal to the seed length of a chia seed.
A copepod is a tiny aquatic crustacean found in marine and freshwater environments, playing a key role in aquatic food webs.
A chia seed is the edible seed of the Salvia hispanica plant, often used in foods such as puddings and cereals.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Copepod
Defined body length: 2 mm; defined specimen; range 1.5 mm–2.5 mm.
A defined 2 mm adult calanoid copepod specimen with a 10 microgram wet mass. The body span excludes the long antennules; species, life stage and hydration produce wide variation.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined body length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Chia seed
Defined seed length: 2 mm; defined specimen; range 1.5 mm–2.5 mm.
A defined dry chia seed 2 mm long and 1.3 mg in mass. Cultivar, moisture and individual seed shape cause variation.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined seed length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 2 mm
We compare the body length of a copepod. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same. The recorded range is 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.
A defined 2 mm adult calanoid copepod specimen with a 10 microgram wet mass. The body span excludes the long antennules; species, life stage and hydration produce wide variation.
The marked vertical span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mm | 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm | defined specimen | |
| 10 µg | 3 µg to 30 µg | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueLiving thingsPoppy seed1 mmLengthA poppy seed is an edible seed produced by plants in the poppy family and commonly used in breads and other foods.
Around the same scaleEveryday objectsChia seed2 mmDefined seed lengthA chia seed is the edible seed of the Salvia hispanica plant, often used in foods such as puddings and cereals.
Nearest higher valueLiving thingsSesame seed3 mmLengthA sesame seed is an oil-rich edible seed produced by the sesame plant and used whole, ground or pressed for oil.Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Living thingsAntarctic krill6 cmAntarctic krill (Euphausia superba) are small, shrimp-like marine crustaceans that serve as a vital food source for many Antarctic animals.
Living thingsSea butterfly5 mmA sea butterfly is a small marine snail that swims using wing-like extensions and has a delicate coiled shell.Everyday thingsChia seed2 mmA chia seed is the edible seed of the Salvia hispanica plant, often used in foods such as puddings and cereals.
Everyday thingsQuinoa seed2 mmA quinoa seed is the edible seed of the Chenopodium quinoa plant, commonly used as a grain substitute in cooking.Living thingsSesame seed3 mmA sesame seed is an oil-rich edible seed produced by the sesame plant and used whole, ground or pressed for oil.Living thingsPoppy seed1 mmA poppy seed is an edible seed produced by plants in the poppy family and commonly used in breads and other foods.
MicroscopicGrain of sand500 µmA grain of sand is a tiny fragment of rock or mineral, commonly found on beaches and in soil.
Living thingsSmall ant5 mmAn ant is a social insect that lives in an organised colony, usually with workers, a queen and specialised roles.