Nauplius

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A nauplius (plural: nauplii) is the first larval form of most crustacea. It develops from the egg, and may be followed by later stages before the adult form is reached. In some groups there can be as many as nine larval stages.[1] Sometimes the nauplius stage is passed through in the egg, and then a later stage emerges from the egg.[1]

Nauplius larva of a prawn
Nauplius larva of a cirripede
Diagram of a cirripede nauplius larva

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 Robert Gurney (1942). Larvae of decapod crustacea (PDF). London: Ray Society. pp. 1–306.