planula
/ˈplænjələ/
noun
- The free-swimming, ciliated larva of a cnidarian (such as a jellyfish or coral), which eventually settles and develops into a polyp.
- After a few days, the planula attaches to a rock and begins to grow into a tiny coral polyp.
- Each planula is covered in tiny hairs called cilia that help it move through the water.
- Scientists observed the planula swimming in the ocean currents before it found a suitable place to settle.