Gigantocypris
| Gigantocypris | |
|---|---|
| Preserved specimens at Oxford University Museum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota | 
| Kingdom: | Animalia | 
| Phylum: | Arthropoda | 
| Class: | Ostracoda | 
| Order: | Myodocopida | 
| Family: | Cypridinidae | 
| Subfamily: | Cypridininae | 
| Tribe: | Gigantocypridinini Hartmann, 1974 | 
| Genus: | Gigantocypris Müller, 1895 | 
| Species | |
| See text | |
Gigantocypris, sometimes known as giant ostracod or giant seed shrimp, is a genus of ostracod crustaceans in family Cypridinidae, and among the most well-known members of the class Ostracoda (together with Vargula hilgendorfii). Its members are extremely large for ostracods, measuring up to 3.2 cm (1.3 in) across, have a globular shape, are typically semi-transparent orange or reddish, and have a large pair of mirror-like eyes that are used to locate their small animal prey. They are found worldwide in dark, deep and cold oceans.