Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory have shared the “amazing” development of marine snail larvae, which totally transform to reach their adult form.
The veliger – that’s a stage of larval development – of marine snails such as the slipper snail (Crepidula fornicata) look very different from fully formed adults, according to Nipam Patel, director at the Marine Biological Laboratory, who shared the video.
“These animals possess a pair of large lobes, known as velar lobes, that are lined by cilia (shown in green), which they use to swim.” Cilia are tiny hair-like structures.
The video shows several little sea snails fluttering through the water like dandelion seeds in the breeze. Read rest of the article here.
Source: This adorable baby animal looks like the cutest little alien – you’ll never guess what it turns into | BBC Discover Wildlife
