Laboratory cultured zoeae, megalopa and first crab of the estuarine crab Thalamita crenata (Latr.) A. Milne Edwards 1861 (Brachyura : Portunidae)

Abstract

Larvae of Thalamita crenata (Latr.) A. Milne Edwards, 1861 were reared in the laboratory to the first crab instar under the rearing conditions of salinity 30 + or - 1 ppt, temperature 27 + or - 1 degree C and photophase 12/12 h light/dark. First zoea reached first crab instar after six moults with a minimum time of 25 days. Five zoeal, megalopa and first crab instar are figured and described. Zoeae, megalopa and first crab are compared with other known descriptions on Thalamita spp. Possible reasons for variation in the number of zoeal stages are discussed