Endophragmal skeleton of prawns - A taxonomical tool

Abstract

Descriptions of the endophragmal skeletons of Macrobrachium javanicum, M. idae and Penaeus monodon have been given, 'Endosternal plate' 'epistomal apodeme', 'epimeral ridges', 'oblique endosternal rods', 'epimeral plate' and 'mandibular apodeme' revealed distinct differences and these structures have been tentatively named for the first time. The utility of endophragmal skeleton as a taxonomical tool in the prawns has been indicated