Mussel Shrimp: Ostracoda

Mussel shrimp have different ways of getting around. Species living on the bottom open their carapace, extend the antennae and limbs, and walk with a rocking motion. Open water species keep their carapaces closed, with just their antennae and limbs poking out. They swim by rowing their appendages through the water.

Both males and females are required for reproduction. Eggs are released into the water or brooded inside the carapace until they hatch. The young hatch as nauplius (NAH-plee-us) larvae (LAR-vee) with folded carapaces covering their bodies. Nauplius larvae have antennae and mouthparts for appendages and use them for walking or swimming. They molt, or shed their external skeletons (exoskeletons), five to eight times before reaching adulthood, adding more appendages with each molt. Mussel shrimp usually live for one year or less.