brachiolaria

/brəkɪɒˈlɑːriə/

Definitions

1. noun

A larval stage in the life cycle of certain starfish (sea stars), characterized by the presence of a pair of short, often rudimentary arms and a rudimentary water vascular system.

“The starfish went through several stages, including the brachiolaria stage, before reaching adulthood.”

Synonyms

  • sea star larva
  • starfish larva