Invisible Oceans Founder's Collection: Invisible Oceans #19: Megalopa I

Crabs are crustacea, and they go through many skin changes and several design phases on their way to maturity. This stage in the life of a shore crab begins to show signs of the adult design. A broad protective carapace protects the vital organs and the five pairs of jointed limbs resemble quite closely what they will look like in the adult form, especially the large pincers so characteristic of the crabs we find on the seashore, capable of giving a painful nip unless handled carefully. Notice how far apart are the two compound eyes, separated by the full width of the carapace. This stage of a crab's life is called a megalopa. The next stage will see this little chap settle to the sea floor, and change his skin into a very small but perfect Shore Crab.

Lizard Island, Australia (1984)

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