The diversity of tiny zooplankton is shown in this microphotograph of preserved specimens. The preserving fluid coagulates the protein and makes the animals look white. In nature the animals are nearly transparent. Some zooplankton live by preying on their fellow members, but most are herbivorous, living on phytoplankton - the vegetation of the sea.

Image ID: fish7967, NOAA's Historic Fisheries Collection
Photo Date: 1969 circa
Credit: NOAA Central Library Historical Fisheries Collection; P. 24 of "Our Changing Fisheries" 1970 Centenary NMFS centenary volume

• High Resolution Photo Available