Lobster life cycle: the larvae

Right after hatching, lobsters are considered larvae, and they are so small that they are best viewed using a microscope or a good magnifying lens. They do not resemble an adult lobster, but rather look like a small shrimp. Because they are so small, the ocean currents simply take them away, and it is impossible for the female to care for them. They are basically on their own. They are not alone however, and unfortunately, many other tiny animals eat them. Even baby lobsters can eat each other. They do not make the distinction between a small shrimp and each other, so many of them do not survive the first few days. The larvae go through 3 different stages (each with a molt) in the next 3 or 4 weeks, and each stage shows a small physical change. We start to see some swimmerets (which are the little feathery paddles under the tail) during the second stage, and the tip of the tail develops some uropods (the round pieces of shell that gives the tail a fan shape) at the third stage. At this point, the tiny larvae are still at the mercy of the currents, and they spend the majority of their time in the top layer of the water.

If they survive after that first month of life, they will molt again to become post-larval, otherwise known as the fourth stage. To many biologists who study lobsters, this is the most interesting stage to watch. First of all, the young lobsters finally look more like an adult, complete with 2 larger claws in the front. Second of all, they are much more active and can actually swim around. Picture Superman flying through the air with both arms out, and you will have a good idea how the lobsters swim at this stage. They are nicknamed the “Superlobsters”, as they leap forward through the water at great speeds (for a crustacean) with both claws together, swimming near the surface, sometimes twirling and doing somersaults. This is the only time in their lives when they will swim forward in this fashion. And it only lasts about 10 days.

This stage does allow them to explore new horizons, and near the end of the Superlobster stage, the young ones will descend on the ocean floor to find a proper place to hide. Nurseries, as scientists call them, are areas made of small pebbles on the seafloor, which provide hiding spots barely bigger than the lobsters themselves. A perfect fit is what they need to feel safe, so if the pebbles are too small or too big, they cannot settle. Therefore, the Superlobster stage can last longer if the lobster is unable to find the perfect spot. Once he decides to settle down, he will molt again, and start the rest of his life as a bottom dweller.