1. a free-swimming larval stage of cnidarians (such as jellyfish and corals) that is typically oval and ciliated
Usage: biology

Examples

• The planula larva swims freely in the water column before settling on a hard surface.
• After fertilization, the coral develops into a planula that drifts with ocean currents.
• The planula stage allows jellyfish to disperse to new locations.
• Marine biologists studied the planula’s swimming behavior in laboratory conditions.
• The planula eventually attaches to the seafloor and transforms into a polyp.
• Coral planulae are attracted to certain chemical cues when seeking settlement sites.