The swimming activity of the larvae changes dramatically but
predictably through the larval cycle. Zoea stages swim rapidly and consistently
forwards, usually in circles, filter feeding on phytoplankton. Mysis swim backwards
with intermittent flicks of their tails, maintaining themselves in the water column and
feeding visually on phyto- and zooplankton. PL swim rapidly and consistently
forward, searching for food whilst being maintained in the water column by strong
aeration. Generally, the more larvae swimming actively, the better their quality (See
Fig 27)
Figure 27: Actively swimming PLs