A veliger is a larval stage of certain mollusks, including species from the classes Gastropoda and Bivalvia. This stage is characterized by a free-swimming form that typically has a ciliated structure called a velum, which helps in locomotion and feeding. Veligers are usually found in marine environments and play a crucial role in the life cycle of these organisms. During the veliger stage, the larvae undergo significant development, eventually transforming into juvenile mollusks. This transition is essential for their survival and growth, as they move from a planktonic lifestyle to a more settled existence. Understanding the veliger stage is important for studying the ecology of mollusks and their habitats.