Morphology and musculature of the fifth and sixth limbs of halocyprida (Ostracoda: Myodocopa)

Abstract

Intrinsic musculature of the fifth and sixth limbs of selected halocyprid ostracodes is used to identify the basis and, also, bristles that could be interpreted to represent an exopod. It is concluded that, in general, species of the Halocyprida bear bristles that could be interpreted to represent an exopod. Taxa that bear an unsegmented exopod lobe on the sixth limb are restricted to the deep sea and anchialine caves, and this suggests their antiquity.