Newly hatched larvae of L. calcarifer measure 1.5 mm in length They have a big yolk sac containing a large oil-globule, which enables the larvae to float at the surface with their head raised to a 45 to 90° angle. The body is slender and pale in colour. The eyes, alimentary canal, anal opening and caudal fins can be distinctly seen but the mouth remains closed up to the third day of development. The yolk gets almost fully absorbed by the third day.