Giant ostracod
Gigantocypris agassizii
- Not on exhibit
- Animal type
- Invertebrates
- Ecosystem
- Deep sea
- Relatives
- Other crustaceans (shrimp, crabs, lobsters); Order: Ostracoda
- Diet
- Copepods, small fishes
- Range
- Midwater (2,953–4,265 feet, or 900–1,300 m)
- Size
- Up to 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Meet the giant ostracod
Since they look like a shrimp inside of 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 feather-like 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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