In the summer of 2002 we raised local horseshoe crab eggs in waters from around New York Harbor. Our expert in the field, Kaitlin, is still analyzing the results but found some interesting defects in a small percentage of the larvae.

Above, are front and side images of an incompletely hatched crab. This specimen is five months old but still alive (normally they hatch within a month's time).

(Right) Simpson's fans will notice an uncanny resemblance to space aliens, Kodos and Kang.

Another incompletely hatched larva at about four months of age (left). These specimens are also still alive, but obviously will not develop fully.

Other specimens hatched but had deformed appendages. Below, are dorsal and ventral views of another specimen.

This bizarre specimen on the right has confusing features, but is managing to survive by subsisting on its reserves of egg yolk (note dark fingerlike features inside the shell).

Sheds of normal larvae (below left and right) preserved in sediments from hypersaline tide pools (7% salt). Note salt crystals visible in images.