The eggs hatch at night, and the larvae swim to the water surface where they drift with the ocean currents, preying on zooplankton
This stage involves threemoults and lasts for 15–35 days. After the third moult, the juvenile takes on a form closer to the adult, and adopts a benthic lifestyle.[4] The juveniles are rarely seen in the wild, and are poorly known, although they are known to be capable of digging extensive burrows.[4] It is estimated that only 1 larva in every 20,000 survives to the benthic phase.[10] When they reach a carapace length of 15 mm (0.59 in), the juveniles leave their burrows and start their adult lives.[10]