Plankton
Tiny plants and animals that drift in water. They are food for many fish and other sea creatures.
What is it?
Plankton are very small organisms that live in water. They cannot swim against currents, so they drift. There are two main types: phytoplankton (tiny plants) and zooplankton (tiny animals). Plankton are the base of the food web in oceans and lakes. The tiny particles you saw in the aquarium might be plankton or food. In a healthy aquarium, plankton help keep the water clean and provide food for fish.
Why it matters
Plankton produce most of the oxygen on Earth. They are also the main food for many fish, whales, and other animals. Without plankton, most aquatic life would not survive.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more exhibits with plankton.
