What are the free-swimming, microscopic larvae of Dreissena polymorpha called, and what is their typical size?
Answer
Veligers, measuring 70-200 µm
The initial development stage following fertilization involves the formation of free-swimming microscopic larvae known as veligers. These planktonic individuals are extremely small, typically measuring between 70 and 200 micrometers (µm). This minute size is critical to their ecological success as an invasive species because water currents passively carry them over vast distances, facilitating dispersal through interconnected aquatic systems. After passing through several sub-divisions, they eventually reach a settling stage where they must locate a suitable substrate to attach using their developing byssal threads.
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