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The eggs released by the females immediately hatch upon contact with sea water and clouds of crab larvae will swirl near the shore until they are swept out to sea, where they remain for 3–4 weeks.[5] During this time, the larvae go through several larval stages, eventually developing into shrimp-like animals called megalopae.[8] The megalopae gather near the shore for 1–2 days before changing into young crabs only 5 mm (0.20 in) across. The young crabs then leave the water to make a 9-day journey to the centre of the island.[5] For the first three years of their lives, the young crabs will remain hidden in rock outcrops, fallen tree branches and debris on the forest floor.[5] Red crabs grow slowly, reaching sexual maturity at around 4–5 years, at which point they begin participating in the annual migration.[8] During their early growth phases, red crabs will moult several times. Mature red crabs will moult once a year, usually in the safety of their burrow.​