Ostracod
ExploreInvertebrate
Ostracod
ostracod environmental sample
Ostracods are tiny creatures that live in water. They have hard shells like armor and come in many colors. Some ostracods even glow in the dark!
Habitat: Aquatic
Appearance
The Ostracod is a tiny, often translucent or greenish-brown crustacean, encased within a two-part shell that resembles a miniature clam or seed. Its smooth or bristly carapace completely covers its body, making it look like a moving speck.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassOstracodaOrderPodocopidaFamilyCyprididae
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Certain female ostracods can reproduce all by themselves, creating only female babies!
Even though tiny, they live in almost every water body, from oceans to puddles!
Fossil ostracods are older than dinosaurs, existing for over 500 million years!
Some ostracods can dry out for years, only to revive when water returns!
Special abilities
Ability
Glow Master
Ostracod can emit bright blue light from its body that helps them distract predators or attract mates.
Ability
Shell Shield
Ostracod has a hard, clam-like shell that helps them protect their soft body from being eaten by larger animals.
Ability
Super Survivor
Ostracod can produce eggs that remain dormant for years, helping them survive droughts and harsh environments.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 0.2-2 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-120 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Ostracods eat tiny plants, decaying bits, or even smaller animals, using their feathery legs.
Primary Foods
- algae
- detritus
- bacteria
- diatoms
- protozoa
- small invertebrates
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Yellow Perch
Perca flavescens
key food for juvenile perch.
eaten by
Mosquitofish
Gambusia affinis
a common food for small fish.
eaten by
Freshwater Hydra
Hydra vulgaris
tiny polyps ambush and consume them.
Traits
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Filter Feeder
Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Glowing
Pertaining to organisms that emit light through bioluminescence or fluorescence.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see ostracods in the water, observe them from a safe distance and don't disturb their habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Ostracod?
0.2-2 mm
How long does Ostracod live?
20-120 days
What does Ostracod eat?
Ostracods eat tiny plants, decaying bits, or even smaller animals, using their feathery legs.
Where is Ostracod usually found?
Aquatic
How does Ostracod hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Ostracod have?
6
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