is influenced greatly by temperature, both in terms of survival and stage length. The optimum rearing temperature for all larval stages is thought to be between 15 and 18 °C, with survival temperatures ranging from 11 to 20 °C. At these temperatures, the zoeal stages can last 7 to 18 days, with the megalopa stage lasting 25 to 45 days. Colder water is associated with longer durations in each stage.

During the larval stages, M. kaempferi is found near the surface, as the planktonic forms drift with ocean currents. This surface water