cyprid

…stages precede formation of a cypris—a nonfeeding larval stage (see video). The cypris has a bivalved shell of chitin (a hard protein substance), cement glands on the antennules (first antennae), and a series of thoracic legs used for swimming. The cypris eventually cements itself to a hard substrate (or invades…

…and then metamorphoses into a cyprid, which has a two-part carapace enclosing six pairs of trunk limbs that are used for swimming. The cyprid eventually attaches to a solid object and then metamorphoses into an adult. During this process, the cyprid’s swimming legs become the filtering appendages of the adult.…

…in a nonfeeding, relatively strong-swimming cyprid larva. The cyprid must find a suitable surface upon which to settle within a few days, or it will die of starvation. Substrate selection is based largely on light, chemical, and tactile stimuli. Typically, large numbers of cyprids attach close to each other and…