A comparison of swimming structures and kinematics in three species of crustacean larvae

Abstract

Crustacean larvae swim with paired rowing appendages that rotate around the body of the animal. The number of paired rowing appendages varies from one species of larvae to another. In addition, the size of the crustacean larvae is different between species and increases as they grow. The nature of the fluid forces changes as size increases, so the morphology and mechanics of swimming in these animals will change during increases in size. This article demonstrates the changing kinematics of locomotion between three species of crustacean larvae, which swim with one (Artemia franciscana), two (Carcinus maenas) or five (Homarus americanus) pairs of propulsive limbs. The relative change in the surface area and volume ratios of the locomotor structures are also demonstrated.