How to recognize a Candacia female:

Using a binocular :

Head with a very square front and a shoulder shape.

Very large Mx2

Corners of the last thoracic segment usually symmetrically pointed.

Black pigment on the ends of swimming legs often visible

Urosome 3-segmented

Furca rather short.

Using a microscope :

P5 quite symmetrical and uniramous

 

How to differenciate C. simplex from other Candacia

Using a binocular :

Genital segment symmetrical, without lateral protusions

Ventral side of genital segment with a pointed protrusion

Using a microscope :

P5 terminal segment with 2 setae on the inner margin and a finger-like end.

Distal spine of P5 inner margin twice the length of the proximal one.

 

Ecological Notes :

A robust carnivorous copepod.

Epi-mesopelagic and cosmopolite.