Cytherella

/ˌsɪðəˈrɛlə/ noun

Definition

A genus of small ostracods (tiny crustaceans with bivalve shells) found in marine and brackish water environments.

Etymology

From 'Cytherea' + '-ella' (diminutive suffix). Named by the fancy scientific tradition of honoring Greek goddesses with organism names.

Kelly Says

Cytherella are so tiny you need a microscope to see them, but they're absolutely everywhere in oceans and bays—scientists figured naming them after the love goddess was more fun than just 'tiny shellfish.'

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