Glossary

larval

Of, relating to, or being a larva.

Used in 47 species profiles

cyst
In biology, a small sac forming a capsule within which certain organisms remain during the larval or dormant stage.
incipient
Beginning to appear or develop, e.g., emergence of anatomical structures during a larval stage.
larva
Immature free-living juvenile form of an organism that undergoes metamorphosis before assuming the adult form.
nauplius
First larval stage in certain crustaceans, comprising an unsegmented body with three pairs of appendages. Important constituent of plankton and the diet of some fishes.
paedomorphism
Phylogenetic state in which juvenile or larval characters are retained in and throughout the adult stage. May arise via neoteny or progenesis.
pelagic phase
Period of time during the life cycle spent floating freely in the water column, usually as a larval constituent of plankton. Relatively common in marine fishes but also typical of amphidromous and diadromous species.
yolk sac larva
Post-hatching larval stage occurring in many fish species whereby the yolk sac remains attached to the ventral surface for a period. The larva does not feed normally until the yolk is fully-absorbed.
zoea
Early, planktonic larval form common in decapod crustaceans, e.g., crabs, characterised by possession of well-developed abdominal appendages and one or more spines on the carapace.
zooplankton
Plankton or planktonic constituent composed of small animals such as crustaceans and larval fishes.