Megalopa is the characteristic larva of:

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (c) Mud crab
Explanation:
→ Megalopa is the transitional larval stage following zoeae in brachyuran crabs (e.g., mud crabs Scylla spp.), before it metamorphoses into the juvenile crab.
→ The megalopa has crab-like walking legs and a still-elongated abdomen adapted for settlement.
Information Booster:
→ Recognizing megalopa is crucial in hatchery operations to provide appropriate substrate for settlement.
Additional Information (Other Options):
(a) Shrimp and (d) lobster have different larval sequences; (b) mussel is a bivalve and does not have a megalopa stage.