Most marine bivalves go through a trochophore stage before turning into a free-swimming veliger larva. |
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As all the Trochoidea, Cittarium pica has a lecitotrophic development and has a relatively short veliger phase. |
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Torsion takes place during the veliger stage, usually very rapidly. |
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All produce eggs, from which may emerge trochophore larvae, more complex veliger larvae, or miniature adults. |
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During this time, the shelled veliger larvae use their ciliated vela to capture food and swim. |
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Phototaxis and vertical migration of the queen conch veliger larvae. |
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They then develop into a fully shelled veliger larvae, also known as the late umbo stage, which have a hinged side and a velum, formed within 12 to 24 hours. |
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