The oceanic lobate ctenophore Ocyropsis spp. has a widespread distribution throughout tropical and sub-tropical oceans. While patchy, Ocyropsis spp. can be abundant with densities exceeding one individual per m³. However, little is known about the trophic impacts of these animals and differences in habitat and prey capture mechanisms on zooplankton prey (copepods) prevent the use of data from coastal species. In this study we used high-resolution videography and imaging in the field and laboratory to record interactions of Ocyropsis spp. with copepod prey to quantify feeding ability. We found that Ocyropsis spp. uses a unique combination of muscular lobe contraction and prehensile mouth movement for prey capture. Mean capture success was 71% when a single copepod was present and 40% when multiple prey were present within the ctenophore lobes. Gut content analysis showed that Ocyropsis spp. consume significantly more prey at night, leading to higher gut fullness at night. We found that copepods are digested within 44.19 (+ 10.45) minutes with no relationship between ctenophore size and the average digestion time. Based on our findings, conservative estimates show that population densities of 3.3 Ocyropsis spp. individuals per 1000 m³ could consume 100% of the daily standing stock of copepods in Atlantic oceanic waters. The implications of this study suggest that oceanic ctenophore species have the capacity to exert strong top down control of zooplankton stocks.