A simple nontoxic method for the decalcification of living invertebrate larvae

Living gastropod, lamellibranch and echinoderm larvae were decalcified in large numbers using seawater buffered to pH 5–6. When returned to normal seawater, decalcified larvae swam, fed and otherwise behaved normally. Many decalcified gastropod larvae metamorphosed and grew to sexual maturity. The bivalve veligers survived > 2 wk but without growth and some echinoid plutei survived > 2 months. Most echinoid plutei fed and redeveloped abnormal skeletons. The method should be useful to those who wish to: 1. (1) create matched cohorts of normal vs. skeleton-less animals for use in evolution or ecologically oriented experiments; or 2. (2) remove calcareous skeletons from living zooplankters in preparation for physiological study.