Watch Slipper Snail Larvae Transform | BBC Discover Wildlife
Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory have shared the “amazing” development of marine snail larvae, which totally transform to reach their adult form.
The veliger – that’s a stage of larval development – of marine snails such as the slipper snail (Crepidula fornicata) look very different from fully formed adults, according to Nipam Patel, director at the , who shared the video.
“These animals possess a pair of large lobes, known as velar lobes, that are lined by cilia (shown in green), which they use to swim.” Cilia are tiny hair-like structures.
The video shows several little sea snails fluttering through the water like dandelion seeds in the breeze.
Source: This adorable baby animal looks like the cutest little alien – you'll never guess what it turns into | BBC Discover Wildlife