Mussel Shrimp: Ostracoda - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, No Common Name (vargula Hilgendorfii): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, MUSSEL SHRIMP AND PEOPLE, CONSERVATION STATUS
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Mussel shrimp are found in all oceans and on all continents.
Most species live on the bottom, or near bottom. Some attach themselves to other organisms living on or near the bottom, including other species of crustaceans. One species lives in the gills of fish. Some live in open water, while others are found in very wet moss and leaf litter on land. Some ocean-dwelling species live at depths of 22,965 feet (7,000 meters).
Most mussel shrimp eat bits of plant material, although some species prey on small animals or scavenge their dead bodies.
Scientists use fossil ostracods to help them understand conditions in ancient habitats. Fossils are impressions left by species that died and settled on the mud bottoms of ancient seas. Over millions of years the mud hardens into stone.
No mussel shrimp are considered threatened or endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). However, species living on listed species of freshwater crayfish and isopods could become threatened if their hosts disappear.
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The bodies of mussel shrimp are completely surrounded by a folded, shieldlike carapace (CARE-eh-pes) that resembles an upside down taco. Depending on the species, the carapace may be smooth, bumpy, pitted, bristly, or spiked. The front of the carapace may or may not have a beaklike projection. The two halves of the carapace are not the same size and one side fits snugly inside the other. They have…
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 wa…
Physical characteristics: This ostracod measures 0.12 inches (3 millimeters) in length. It has a beaklike projection on the front of the smooth, round, clear carapace. The black eyes are visible through the carapace. The carapace has large notches through which the antennae stick out. The appendages at the tip of the abdomen are very large and visible between the folded halves of the carapace. Geo…
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User Comments
9 months ago
owesome!