What are the microscopic, free-swimming larvae of Zebra Mussels called?
Answer
Veligers
Following external fertilization in the water column, the zebra mussel develops into a microscopic, free-swimming larval stage identified specifically as a veliger. This stage is critical to the invasion process because the veligers drift for several weeks, feeding on plankton as they develop. This extended planktonic existence allows strong currents or water discharge systems to transport them significant distances away from the parent colony before they undergo metamorphosis and settle onto a hard surface as juveniles.
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