kitide

Kitide refers to the immature stage of certain marine invertebrates, most notably crustaceans like crabs and lobsters, and some mollusks. These larval forms are planktonic, meaning they drift in the water column, and often bear little resemblance to their adult counterparts. Their morphology is adapted for dispersal, enabling them to colonize new habitats.

The term "kitide" is often used interchangeably with other larval stage names such as nauplius, zoea, mysis, or veliger, depending on the specific taxonomic group. These larval stages are critical for the life cycle, serving as a period of significant growth and development before metamorphosis into a juvenile form. Survival rates for kitides are typically low due to predation and environmental challenges. Understanding the kitide stage is important for marine ecology, fisheries management, and conservation efforts, as it provides insights into population dynamics and species distribution.