Microsetella norvegica (Boeck 1865)

Cosmopolite; widely distributed species.

One of the few harpacticoid copepods which is found exclusively in the water column. Usually found near the surface, often in massive numbers. May occur in brackish waters.

Body spindle-shaped. The cephalosome extends anteriorly into a wide and obtuse rostral plate, which covers the base of A1. Caudal rami short, with long caudal setae 2/3 as long as the body. A1 of females 6-segmented, narrow sharply toward the end. P5 with long setae; the inner of 2 setae which originate from the inner process of the 1st segment is about 2 times than the outer. The distal segment is armed with 2 long and 1 short setae. Males can be distinguished by the presence of geniculate A1.

Female: 0,35-0,76 mm
Male: 0,30-0,66 mm

Gulf of St. Lawrence (unspecified region), southern Gaspe waters (Baie des Chaleurs, Gaspe Bay to American, Orphan and Bradelle banks; eastern boundary: eastern Bradelle Valley), lower North Shore and Prince Edward Island (from the northern tip of Miscou Island, N.B. to Cape Breton Island south of Cheticamp, including the Northumberland Strait and Georges Bay to the Canso Strait causeway)

infralittoral of the Gulf and estuary