The timing of marine heatwaves during the moulting cycle affects performance of decapod larvae.

Marine heatwaves (MHW) pose an increasing threat and have a critical impact on meroplanktonic organisms, because their larvae are highly sensitive to environmental stress and key for species' dispersion and population connectivity. This study assesses the effects of MHW on two key moulting cycle periods within first zoea of the valuable crab, Metacarcinus edwardsii. First, the changes in swimming behaviour during zoea I were recorded and associated to moult cycle substages.