Thin Shelled Rock Crab Larva #2 is a photograph by Dennis Kunkel Microscopy/science Photo Library which was uploaded on September 18th, 2018.
Thin Shelled Rock Crab Larva #2
Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of thin shelled rock crab larva, zoea stage (Grapsus tenuicrustatus). The life cycle of a rock crab begins with a... more
Title
Thin Shelled Rock Crab Larva #2
Artist
Dennis Kunkel Microscopy/science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph
Description
Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of thin shelled rock crab larva, zoea stage (Grapsus tenuicrustatus). The life cycle of a rock crab begins with a brooding egg that is carried on the female. The egg hatches in to the first larval stage, called the zoea stage (5th zoeal stage seen in this image). These microscopic zoeae are marine pelagic plankton and are generally swept out to sea with currents, as they have very limited swimming abilities. They however can swim short distance with their thoracic appendages. The 5th zoeal stage develops in to the final larval stage called the megalopa. The megalope develops in to a juvenile crab which moults 11-13 times to reach the adult crab stage. The adult stage moult and mate once a year. These crabs (often called Natal Lightfoot Crabs) can be seen scampering in the splash zone and find shelter in rock crevices or water when startled. Magnification x27 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.
Uploaded
September 18th, 2018
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