Larval Crab

Larval crabs, known as zoeae, are the early developmental stages of crabs. They are planktonic, meaning they drift in open water. These tiny creatures have transparent bodies, spines, and large eyes that help them navigate their environment. At this stage, they are highly vulnerable to predators.

Identifying the exact species of a larval crab is challenging because of their small size and the similarities between species during this stage. As larval crabs transition to the juvenile stage, they settle on the reef. Their bodies develop more recognizable features as they grow, making it easier to identify their species.