Generic name, of Norwegian origin, used to indicate planktonic shellfish species of the family of Euphausiacea and more specifically the species: Euphausia superba. These crustaceans have the appearance of small shrimps being able to reach 5 cm, whose body does not have dorsal curve and having rather important black eyes. These pelagic species which pullulate in the Antarctic Ocean constitute the dominating share of the food of the cetaceans with whalebones (Mysticeti) like the great rorquals and whales. They also exist in the Arctic. They are the subject of special fishing, in particular in Norway, for the manufacture of meal rich in proteins, or for the food of farmed Salmonidae. (traduced from Envlit web site - François Cabanne)