VELIGER

larva typical of certain mollusks such as marine snails and bivalves. The veliger develops from trochophore (q.v.) larva and has large, ciliated lobes (velum) that form from the ciliary ring (prototroch) characteristic of the trochophore stage. The velum, used in swimming and feeding, generally disappears in the adult. During the veliger stage, the mollusk begins to develop a foot and shell.