Pelagic crustacean? - Cayman

Came across this critter on a night dive, would anyone have an idea what it is?

Location: Grand Cayman

Size: approx 4 inches

Depth: 20-40ft

Larval decapod would be my guess.

Alex

Larval decapod would be my guess.

Alex

Thanks for the lead Alex; just did a search and it does look like a lobster larva:

http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/sertc/images/...ma%20larvae.jpg

http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/sertc/images/.../Phyllosoma.jpg

Lev

It is indeed a larval lobster. A bit unusual to see it floating in the soup without riding on something. If you like to see more of these and other unusual larval creatures I suggest contacting Jack's Diving Locker in Kona, HI. They specialize in this sort of thing.

Imasleeper