Here's a more detailed description:
* Shape: Zoeae are oval-shaped with a long, thin abdomen.
* Size: They are microscopic, about the size of a pinhead.
* Color: They are transparent and translucent, with some internal organs visible.
* Appendages: They have long, feathery antennae and a set of swimming legs.
* Eyes: They have large, black eyes.
* Shell: They don't have a shell at this stage.
Here's what makes them unique:
* They are planktonic, meaning they drift in the ocean currents.
* They have several molts before they become megalopae, a stage closer to the adult form.
* They are very vulnerable to predators during this stage.
It's important to understand that baby hermit crabs are not the tiny crabs we usually see in pet stores. Those are juvenile hermit crabs that have already gone through their larval stages and have started carrying shells.
Think of it this way:
* Zoeae (larvae) are like a butterfly's caterpillar: They don't look anything like the adult butterfly.
* Juvenile hermit crabs are like a butterfly's pupa: They are still in their developing stage, but are starting to look like the adult butterfly.
* Adult hermit crabs are like the beautiful butterfly: They are fully grown and have their final form.