Lobsters are marine crustaceans with a unique life cycle. Many are curious about their early stages, particularly what young lobsters are called and how they develop. Their journey from a microscopic egg to a bottom-dwelling adult involves distinct transformations and adaptations.
Names for Young Lobsters
The terms for young lobsters vary by developmental stage. After hatching, lobsters are in their larval phase, called “zoea.” These tiny, transparent, bug-like creatures undergo several molts. The zoea then transforms into a “post-larva,” also known as a “megalops” or “lobster fry.” This stage marks a significant change as the lobster begins to more closely resemble its adult form, developing small claws and a defined tail.
Once the post-larva settles and grows, it becomes a “juvenile” lobster. While “baby lobster” is an informal term, specific names denote different developmental points. Lobstermen informally call newborn lobsters “bugs.” A young lobster weighing about one pound may be called a “chicken lobster,” referencing its size.
From Larva to Juvenile: The Early Life Cycle
A lobster’s life cycle begins when eggs hatch, releasing larvae into the water. Female lobsters carry eggs for 9 to 12 months internally, then another 9 to 12 months externally before hatching. These zoea larvae are free-swimming and drift near the ocean surface for four to six weeks. During this planktonic phase, they are vulnerable to predators and molt to grow.
A lobster larva passes through three zoeal stages, each involving molting. After these molts, the larva transitions into the post-larval or megalops stage. Here, the lobster develops adult-like features, including small claws and an elongated body, enabling it to swim using pleopods.
After the fourth molt, the post-larva settles to the ocean floor, beginning the juvenile phase. Juveniles continue to grow by molting, up to 25 times in their first five to seven years. Each molt increases length by about 15% and weight by up to 40%.
Habitats of Developing Lobsters
Young lobsters’ habitats shift as they progress through their life cycle. Upon hatching, microscopic larvae are planktonic, floating in the ocean’s upper layers. This open-water phase, lasting four to six weeks, allows currents to disperse them. During this time, they feed on zooplankton and are vulnerable to predators.
As lobsters transition to the post-larval (megalops) stage, they move towards the ocean floor, searching for suitable habitats. Juvenile lobsters then adopt a benthic, bottom-dwelling lifestyle. They seek shelter in rocky crevices, gravel, coarse sand, and seagrass beds, which protect them from predators.
Juvenile lobsters remain hidden in these sheltered environments for their first few years, with limited movement. As they grow larger, they gradually venture out, foraging for food and exhibiting behaviors similar to adult lobsters.