Neocalanus cristatus is a species of copepod found primarily in the northern Pacific.

[1] Although N. cristatus breeds year round, it peaks in terms of reproductive activity from October to December.

[3] At Site H, off of the east coast of Hokkaido, adults reproduce at depths below 500 metres (1,600 ft).

[4] During a period of the year, stage I through IV copepodites may be found from the thermocline to between about 200 and 250 metres (660 and 820 ft);[7] in some areas, this is correlated with high temperatures near the surface.

Stage V copepodites migrate below 250 metres (820 ft) of depth in July and August and enter diapause, emerging as adults after September.