what eats phytoplankton

Phytoplankton are the base of the aquatic food chain, providing nutrients and energy to a wide range of species. They are eaten by primary consumers like zooplankton, small fish, and crustaceans. Zooplankton predators such as small fish, shrimp, and microscopic crustaceans feed exclusively on zooplankton. Some examples of fish that eat phytoplankton include anchovies, herring, and smelt. In aquariums, zooplankton such as copepods or amphipods, and snails, will feed on phytoplankton. Algae eaters such as glass-cleaning plecostomus, some catfish, and shrimp also feed on these organisms. Jellyfish, which are actually large plankton themselves, eat phytoplankton. Baleen whales are the largest predators of plankton and consume tons of krill.