The northern krill is a species of krill that lives in the North Atlantic Ocean including the Norwegian Sea, North Sea, and parts of the Mediterranean. The thermal tolerance in this specie ranges from 2 - 15 °C which stands out compared to other krill species. For example, the Antarctic krill, by contrast, tolerates temperatures between -2 and +4 °C. The northern krill is an important component of the zooplankton, providing food for whales, seals, fish, and birds. In the Southern Ocean, Antarctic krill fills a similar role. M. norvegica is the only species recognized in the genus Meganyctiphanes.