Open ostracod shell. Light micrograph of a section through an ostracod crustacean,showing the two halves (valves,yellow,left and right) of the hard protective carapace (shell) that encloses its body (dark shapes,centre). Ostracods are small crustaceans,typically around one millimetre in size. Their body is encased by two halves of a 'shell' (carapace),similar to that of a mussel or clam. They swim smoothly with appendages extended from between the two halves of their shell,which they withdraw into when disturbed. Most ostracods feed on rotting plant and animal material,although some are predatory. Magnification: x100,when printed 10 cm wide |