ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
Chasmagnathus granulata (Decapoda)
;
larval development
;
nutrition
;
Artemia sp.
;
Tetraselmis chuii
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Larvae of the crab Chasmagnathus granulata were collected in a salt marsh located in the Lagoa dos Patos, Brazil and reared from eclosion to metamorphosis under different dietary regimes. Larvae reared individually in beakers of 40 ml and fed Tetraselmis chuii (zoea III and zoea IV), showed a supplementary stage, here designated as zoea V, with morphological characteristics intermediary between zoea IV and megalopa. No zoeae V molted to megalopa stage. To confirm the occurrence of the supplementary stage, mass cultures of larvae of C. granulata were fed Artemia sp. at high densities, we again detected the fifth zoeal instar. However, when zoeae V were individually placed in beakers and fed Artemia nauplii, they succeeded in molting into megalopae. We observed the occurrence of two types of zoeae IV — a smaller type (from which originated the zoeae V) and a larger type (which directly developed into megalopae). We conclude that stressful nutritional/environmental conditions were responsible for the occurrence of this alternative path of development.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00007856
Permalink
