Zoaea

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Zoea \Zo"["e]*a\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? life.] (Zool.)
     A peculiar larval stage of certain decapod Crustacea,
     especially of crabs and certain Anomura. [Written also
     {zoaea}.]
     [1913 Webster]
  


     Note: In this stage the anterior part of the body is
           relatively large, and usually bears three or four long
           spines. The years are conspicuous, and the antennae and
           jaws are long, fringed organs used in swimming. The
           thoracic legs are undeveloped or rudimentary, the
           abdomen long, slender, and often without appendages.
           The zoea, after casting its shell, changes to a
           megalops.
           [1913 Webster]