Cyclops

Cyclops is one of the most common genera of freshwater copepods, and as the name suggests has a single eye which may be either red or black. It can vary in size from 0.5 to 5 mm long.

It lives along the plant-covered banks of stagnant and slow-flowing bodies of water, mainly in freshwater.

All year round.

It feeds on small fragments of plant material, animals or carrion and has the capacity to survive unsuitable conditions by forming a cloak of slime.

Common and widespread in Britain.

Common and widespread in Britain.