Word Study
zoëa
CIDE DICTIONARY
zoëa, n. [NL., fr. Gr. life.].
A peculiar larval stage of certain decapod Crustacea, especially of crabs and certain Anomura. [1913 Webster]
" 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 antennæ 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 zoëa, after casting its shell, changes to a megalops." [1913 Webster]
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