Common name : Seed shrimp
Scientific name : Zonocypretta kalimna
Family : Cypridinidae
Native to : Oceans worldwide
Interesting fact : The eggs of the ostracods can survive complete drying and still be viable after many years.
Conservation status : Vulnerable
Living really deep at 7000 metres are these small crustaceans, around 0.2-30.0 mm in size. They have flattened bodies with bivalve-like calcareous shells. Two pairs of antennae on the head help it swim. It lacks gills, heart and a circulatory system. They take in oxygen through bronchial plates on the body-surface. They feed on diatoms, bacteria, detritus and algae.
