Crab larvae
Giesbrecht 1889
Taxonomy
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum | Crustacea |
| Class | Malacostraca |
| Order | Decapoda |
Size
- Up to a few mm in size.
Distinguishing characteristics
- Prominent paired compound eyes.
- Full complement of carapace spines; dorsal, rostral and lateral spines that give specimens a triangular upright appearance.
- Larvae bear little resemblance to juvenile or adult forms.
Distribution
- Spatial distribution influenced by temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, depth and water currents.