Larval and early juvenile development in Paralomis granulosa (Jacquinot) (Decapoda: Anomura: Paguroidea: Lithodidae), with emphasis on abdominal changes in megalopal and crab stages

Abstract

Morphological variations in the two zoeal stages and megalopa of a lecithotrophic population of Paralomis granulosa (Jacquinot) reared under laboratory conditions are reviewed. Attention is also directed to certain aspects of their development not previously considered. More importantly, the first three juvenile stages are described and illustrated for the first time. Specific consideration is given to the structural changes in the abdominal tergites during the transformation from megalopa to third crab, and ancillary information on abdominal plate development in juvenile stages four and five is provided. Total pleopod loss in both sexes and subsequent reappearance in females is discussed.

Keywords:

• Crustacea
• Anomura
• Lithodidae
• Paralomis
• Larval And Juvenile Development