Larval development of the Indian spider crab Elamenopsis demeloi (Kemp) (Brachyura, Hymenosomatidae) in the laboratory

Abstract

Complete larval development of the spider crab Elamenopsis demeloi (Kemp) was studied from larvae hatched and reared from an ovigerous crab in the laboratory. At 26-28 degrees C temperature and 17-20 ppt salinity, three zoeal stages were observed, followed by a first stage crab. A megalopa stage was not present. Morphological features of these larvae are compared with the other species of the family and the important characters that differ from those of other zoeae are: Zoeae with very long mid-dorsal and rostral spines and coxal endite of 2nd maxilla with 2 setas