Megalopae under the microscope

Most benthic invertebrates have a planktonic larval stage of development and their larvae have to return to the shore to settle after completing their developments in offshore areas. This transition from planktonic to benthic existence is a critical step for these organisms that could have a major impact on the demography of the populations. Nevertheless, despite of the importance of this event, much is unknown about the different processes leading to the settlement of the post-larvae (megalopae). Recent evidence suggests that settlement involves both passive and active larval movements. The passive way is related to hydrological events directed by physical processes, and the active movements are related to the swim capacities of those organisms and true habitat selection processes.