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Giant ostracod
ON EXHIBIT
At the Aquarium
Natural History
Since they look like a shrimp inside a seed pod, ostracods are sometimes called seed shrimp. Their bodies are hinged, like a clam’s, and they can disappear into their pods with only their antennae showing. When the pod is open, the featherlike antennae stick out to move, feel and feed. The giant ostracod swims by rowing its antennae like oars.
Conservation
Anything that finds its way into the ocean—whether it's tossed away as trash or washed off a beach or boat—may eventually make its way to the deep sea. It's important to realize that the deep sea is not so far away that it's beyond the reach of human activities. Living creatures in the deep are affected by what we do at the surface.
Cool Facts
The giant ostracod is bright orange-red and has two large, mirrored eyes.
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Animal Facts
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ON EXHIBIT
- Scientific Name:
Gigantocypris agassizii
- Habitat:
Deep Sea
- Animal Type:
Invertebrates
- Diet:
copepods, small fishes
- Size:
to 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- Range:
midwater (2,953-4,265 feet, or 900-1,300 m)
- Relatives:
other crustaceans (shrimp, crabs, lobsters); Order: Ostracoda
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