Crustacean

Class Branchiopoda

Reproduction

Most crustaceans have separate sexes and are distinguished by appendages on the abdomen called swimmerets or, more technically, pleopods. The first (and sometimes the second) pair of pleopods are larger on the male than on the female. Terrestrial crabs (such as the Christmas Island red crab) mate seasonally and return to the sea to release the eggs. Crabs' eggs are retained by the females until they hatch into free-swimming larvae.

Related Topics:
Pleopod - Christmas Island red crab - Larva

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