What does baby lobsters eat?

Baby lobsters, called larvae, have a very different diet than adult lobsters. Here's a breakdown:

Larvae Diet:

* Phytoplankton: These are microscopic algae that form the base of the marine food web. Larvae filter-feed on phytoplankton.

* Zooplankton: These are tiny animals, like copepods and other small crustaceans, that larvae catch and consume.

Transitional Stage:

* As larvae develop, they start consuming larger zooplankton, like small shrimp and crabs.

* This is a transitional stage where they prepare for their adult diet.

Adult Lobster Diet:

* Omnivorous: Adult lobsters are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals.

* Scavengers: They'll readily scavenge on dead fish, clams, and other animals.

* Predators: They'll also hunt live prey, such as crabs, fish, and other lobsters.

* Algae: They may graze on algae, especially kelp.

Interesting Fact: Baby lobsters spend several months as larvae, drifting in the ocean currents before settling on the seafloor and becoming juveniles.