The present study depicts the effects of early lack of food on later survival and development duration in the brackishwater crab Metaplax distincta. Initial feeding of 2 d suffices for all the Z-I to moult successfully to Z-II without further feeding and Point of Reserve Saturation for 50 % of individuals (PRS so) is ca. 1.3 d. Starvation periods beginning right after hatching of Z-I prolongs the instar and Point-of-No-Return for 50% of individuals (PNR 50) is 1.2 d. It is suggested that initial feeding is paramount important for the successful development and survival of crab larvae.