Biology of Finfish and Shellfish (2+1)

4.10.1. Larval Forms in Mollusca

In molluscs, the development may be direct or indirect. In the direct development, there will be no larval stage and the young ones will hatch out from the eggs which resemble their parents in general appearance, except the size. The direct development is seen in cephalopods. In indirect development, a larval stage is seen in majority of molluscan forms. Paludina is a viviparous form. Three main larval forms are observed in molluscan forms. There are:

1. Trochophore
2. Veliger
3. Glochidium