Manca

Manca (plural: mancae) is the post-larval juvenile stage found in some crustaceans. It is an intermediate stage between the larval and adult forms.

Development

Mancae typically hatch from the eggs of crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Upon hatching, crustacean larvae undergo a series of molts before reaching the manca stage. During this stage, the manca resembles a miniature version of the adult crustacean, but with underdeveloped or absent reproductive organs.

Characteristics

The manca stage varies widely among different crustacean species. In general, mancae have fully developed appendages for locomotion and feeding. However, their size, shape, and specific adaptations may differ depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Ecology

Mancae play a crucial role in the life cycle of crustaceans, serving as the transitional phase between the larval and adult stages. During the manca stage, crustaceans undergo further growth and development before reaching sexual maturity as adults. Mancae are often found in various aquatic habitats, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and estuaries, where they actively forage for food and evade predators.

Etymology

The term "manca" is derived from Latin, meaning "lacking" or "incomplete," referring to the transitional nature of this juvenile stage in crustaceans.

See also

• Crustacean larvae
• Zoea
• Megalopa
• Crustacean anatomy

References

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