Gigantocypris | |
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Preserved specimens at Oxford University Museum | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Ostracoda |
Order: | Myodocopida |
Family: | Cypridinidae |
Subfamily: | Cypridininae |
Tribe: | Gigantocypridinini Hartmann, 1974 |
Genus: | Gigantocypris Müller, 1895 |
Species | |
See text |
Gigantocypris, sometimes known as giant ostracod[1] or giant seed shrimp,[2] is a genus of ostracod crustaceans in family Cypridinidae,[3] and among the most well-known members of the class Ostracoda (together with Vargula hilgendorfii).[4] Its members are extremely large for ostracods, measuring up to 3.2 cm (1.3 in) across,[5] have a globular shape, are typically semi-transparent orange or reddish, and have a large pair of mirror-like eyes that are used to locate their small animal prey.[6][7] They are found worldwide in dark, deep and cold oceans.[8]