The larva has a very long Rostrum (the forward extension of the carapace in front of the eyes) - see picture Nr.3
It has also two long caudal spines - see picture Nr. 2
For your personal orientation I copied a drawing from FIORONI (Evertebratenlarven des marine Planktons, Solingen 1998, p.115) about two larvae from Porcelain Crabs (see picture Nr. 1)
a general picture of the larva (see picture Nr. 2)
What is the function of this Rostrum and the Caudal spines? Certainly it is a protection against ennemies a also a protection against sinking.
In my (non scientific) phantasy I see this animal as an acrobat on a high rope with a balancing pole.
3 pictures, picture 2-3: brightfield, objective 4x, seaplankton
Franz
Nr.1:
Nr.2
Nr.3
