bipinnaria larva

zoology

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June 22, 2026

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The bipinnaria larva is a free-swimming, bilaterally symmetrical larval stage found in certain starfishes. It moves using bands of cilia. This larval form develops from a fertilized egg as part of an indirect development process, where the embryo transforms into a juvenile echinoderm after a planktonic phase. The bipinnaria larva is a modification of the dipleurula larval type, characterized by two ciliated bands, one in front of the mouth and the other behind it and around the body's edge. These bands can develop lobes or arms. Some bipinnaria larvae can grow to over 25 mm in length before metamorphosing into juvenile starfishes.12

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echinoderm
Development
…of asteroids develops into a bipinnaria larva with two ciliated bands, which also may become sinuous and form lobes or arms; one band lies in front of the mouth, the other behind it and around the edge of the body. In most asteroids the larval form in the next stage…
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…of asteroids develops into a bipinnaria larva with two ciliated bands, which also may become sinuous and form lobes or arms; one band lies in front of the mouth, the other behind it and around the edge of the body. In most asteroids the larval form in the next stage…
Read More