Discoconchoecia elegans G.O. Sars, 1866
The most common ostracod over deeper shelf waters.
Size
- Two sizes groups were found in Svalbard waters, suggesting multiple sources (or species)
|
D. elegans 1 | D. elegans 2 | ||
|
min & max (mm) | min & max (mm) | ||
| female | 1.70 | 2.13 | 2.19 | 2.35 |
| male | 1.80 | 2.20 | 2.30 | 2.80 |
| A-1 | 1.40 | 1.66 | 1.75 | 2.00 |
| A-2 | 1.00 | 1.20 | 1.32 | 1.60 |
| A-3 | 0.63 | 0.89 | 1.00 | 1.32 |
| A-4 | 0.46 | 0.52 | 0.80 | 1.00 |
| A-5 | 0.28 | 0.44 | 0.50 | 0.67 |
| A-6 | 0.25 | 0.28 | 0.35 | 0.36 |
Color and shape
- Transparent, in life gut brownish though yellowish
- Elongated, slender carapace with specific spine at dorsal posterior edge
Habitat
- Oceanic, abundances greater near shelf breaks
- Epipelagic and mesopelagic
- Common in Arctic waters under Atlantic influences with high salinity (over 35 PSU), were it can be the most numerous pelagic ostracod
- Uncommon in central basins except near margins
Feeding
- Detritivores
- Adapted to exploit different kinds of sinking particles
Life cycle
- Small eggs scattered into water
- After egg it reaches A-6 juvenile stage
- Develop from A-6 juvenile stage till A-1 juvenile stage and then adult (Ad)
- Probably in the Arctic breeds systematically all year round
Page Author: Kasia Blachowiak
Revised: Sept 30, 2011
