Gigantocypris
| Gigantocypris | |
|---|---|
| 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 | |
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See text | |
Gigantocypris, sometimes known as giant ostracod or giant seed shrimp, is a genus of ostracod crustaceans in family Cypridinidae, and among the most well-known members of the class Ostracoda (together with Vargula hilgendorfii). Its members are extremely large for ostracods, measuring up to 3.2 cm (1.3 in) across, 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. They are found worldwide in dark, deep and cold oceans.