<sod>The eggs hatch at night, and the [[crustacean larvae|larvae]] swim to the water surface where they drift with the [[ocean current]]s, preying on [[zooplankton]].<ref name="CEFAS"/> This stage involves three [[ecdysis|moults]] and lasts for 15–35 days. After the third moult, the [[juvenile (organism)|juvenile]] takes on a form closer to the adult, and adopts a [[Benthos|benthic lifestyle]].<ref name="CEFAS"/> The juveniles are rarely seen in the wild, and are poorly known, although they are known to be capable of digging extensive [[burrow]]s.<ref name="CEFAS"/> It is estimated that only 1 larva in every 20,000 survives to the benthic phase.<ref name="NLH">{{cite web |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20121114121433/http://www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk/education/lobster-biology.htm |title=Biology of the European lobster, ''Homarus gammarus'' |publisher=UK [[National Lobster Hatchery]] |accessdate=November 14, 2012}}</ref> When they reach a carapace length of {{convert|15|mm|abbr=on}}, the juveniles leave their burrows and start their adult lives.<ref name="NLH"/><eod>
<sod>The eggs hatch at night, and the [[crustacean larvae|larvae]] swim to the water surface where they drift with the [[ocean current]]s, preying on [[zooplankton]].<ref name="CEFAS"/> This stage involves three [[ecdysis|moults]] and lasts for 15–35 days. After the third moult, the [[juvenile (organism)|juvenile]] takes on a form closer to the adult, and adopts a [[Benthos|benthic lifestyle]].<ref name="CEFAS"/> The juveniles are rarely seen in the wild, and are poorly known, although they are known to be capable of digging extensive [[burrow]]s.<ref name="CEFAS"/> It is estimated that only 1 larva in every 20,000 survives to the benthic phase.<ref name="NLH">{{cite web|url=http://www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk/education/lobster-biology.htm |title=Biology of the European lobster, ''Homarus gammarus'' |publisher=UK [[National Lobster Hatchery]] |accessdate=November 14, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114121433/http://www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk/education/lobster-biology.htm |archivedate=November 14, 2012 }}</ref> When they reach a carapace length of {{convert|15|mm|abbr=on}}, the juveniles leave their burrows and start their adult lives.<ref name="NLH"/><eod>