The third moult is a metamorphosis. When larvae of stage III moults, they change and resemble for the first time to tiny lobsters, and are called “postlarvae”. Postlarvae measure between 11 and 14 mm. It is an important development step because this is the stage when lobsters settle on the bottom. Postlarvae swim around while quickly exploring the bottom until they find a favourable place to settle. In a natural setting, it takes between 3 and 12 weeks after hatching to reach the postlarval stage, depending on water temperature.