What is the king crab life cycle?

The king crab life cycle begins with the release of eggs by the female, which hatch into larval zoea. These larvae float in the ocean for several weeks, undergoing several molts before transforming into megalops, a juvenile stage that resembles small adult crabs. After settling to the ocean floor, they grow into juveniles and eventually reach maturity, which can take several years. Adult king crabs typically reproduce annually, completing the cycle.