Zoea
A planktonic larval stage in many crustaceans, especially crabs, usually marked by a large head, prominent spines, and a segmented abdomen.
Crustacean larva: An immature crustacean stage that differs in form from the adult and develops through molts. Zoea is one form within the broader range of crustacean larvae.
Crustacea: A large group of arthropods that includes crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles. Zoeae occur in multiple crustacean lineages, not just crabs.
Crab: A decapod crustacean with a broad carapace and a reduced abdomen folded beneath its body. Many crabs hatch as zoeae before passing through a megalopa stage.
Nauplius: An early crustacean larval stage with a simple body and typically three pairs of appendages. In crustaceans with both stages, the nauplius precedes the more differentiated zoea.
Ecdysis: The shedding of an animal's outer cuticle as it grows or changes developmental stage. A zoea grows and advances by molting its cuticle.
Arthropod: An invertebrate animal with a segmented body, jointed appendages, and an external skeleton. The zoea's segmented body and molting cuticle are arthropod traits.
Blue crab: A swimming crab species native to the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, scientifically named Callinectes sapidus. Its planktonic zoeae are studied for development and dispersal in estuaries.
Cypris larva: The non-feeding, settlement-seeking larval stage of barnacles, enclosed by a bivalved carapace. This barnacle stage follows the nauplius but is not a zoea.
Mysis: A larval stage in some crustaceans, typically resembling a small shrimp and following the zoea stage in many crabs. Many crab zoeae molt into a swimming, shrimp-like mysis stage.
Carapace: A protective upper covering over the body of certain invertebrates, including crustaceans. The enlarged carapace is a conspicuous part of many zoeae.