Larval Development of the Caridean Shrimp Exopalaemon styliferus (H. Milne Edwards, 1840) (Decapoda, Caridea, Palaemonidae) from the South of Iraq Reared in the Laboratory

Authors: MORTADHA YOUSIF AL-ABBAD, SABEEH HILYEL AL-MAYAH, MALIK HASSAN ALI, SALMAN DAOOD SALMAN

Abstract: The complete series of larval development of the caridean shrimp Exopalaemon styliferus (H. Milne Edwards, 1840) was determined from the laboratory hatching of ovigerous females. There were 6 zoeal stages followed by a megalopa. The distinctive features of zoea I are as follows: total length 2.72 mm, rostrum shorter than peduncle of antennules, scaphognathite of maxilla with 5 setose marginal setae and there are 3 rudiments of peraeopods. These stages were described in detail. A comparison was made with larvae of closely related species.

Keywords: Exopalaemon styliferus, Decapoda, Caridea, larval development

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