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Story: Crabs, rock lobsters and other crustaceans

Phyllosoma larvae

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Phyllosoma larvae

Crayfish larvae are transparent leaf-like creatures known as phyllosomas. They remain in this form for one to two years, floating about in ocean waters far from the coast.

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NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

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How to cite this page

Niel Bruce and Alison MacDiarmid, Crabs, rock lobsters and other crustaceans – Rock lobsters, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/8236/phyllosoma-larvae (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Niel Bruce and Alison MacDiarmid, published 2 March 2009.