Vulnerability of carp larvae to copepod predation as a function of larval age and body length

► This paper deals with cyclopoid copepod predation in two important carp larvae. ► The mortality imposed by the copepods occurred during the first days of fish larvae. ► The mortality imposed by copepods persisted in presence of alternative prey species. ► Above a critical size the fish larvae become invulnerable to copepod predation. ► This paper offers recommendations for enhancing the efficiency of nursery rearing.