What is "zoea"

Zoea \Zo"["e]*a\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? life.] (Zo["o]l.) A peculiar larval stage of certain decapod Crustacea, especially of crabs and certain Anomura. [Written also zo[ae]a.]

Note: In this stage the anterior part of the body is relatively large, and usually bears three or four long spines. The years are conspicuous, and the antenn[ae] and jaws are long, fringed organs used in swimming. The thoracic legs are undeveloped or rudimentary, the abdomen long, slender, and often without appendages. The zo["e]a, after casting its shell, changes to a megalops.

n. (alternative spelling of zoaea English)