[5] Fertilised eggs of Westralunio carteri (and other species of Hyriidae) are brooded to become embryos, which develop into larvae, known as 'glochidia'.

[4] Mature glochidia are released from females during spring on strands of mucus while still encased in their vitelline membranes (a proteinaceous 'egg sac'),.

[4][6] Shortly after release, they hatch from their vitelline membranes and begin characteristically 'winking' in preparation to attach to a passing fish,.

[4][6] They remain in the cyst for 21–28 days as the undergo a process of metamorphosis and develop into juvenile freshwater mussels (characterised by the disappearance of the single adductor muscle and the formation of two separate adductor muscles and a ciliated foot, among other features) when they then detach from their host and begin life in the sediments, where they develop into their adult form,.

[4][6] Juvenile Westralunio carteri are the same size as glochidia immediately after detachment from their host, but grow rapidly and develop for several years thereafter.