[Crustacea, general] Exoskeleton covering the cephalothorax. The carapax may bear dorsal, rostral or lateral spines. Cpx, cpx (abbr.)

[Crustacea: Ostracoda] The epidermal folds (usually calcified) that enclose the body and appendages of an ostracod, divided into two valves hinged along the dorsal margin (diagram halocyprid ostracod ).

Alternative form for carapace : cpx (abbr.).