On the early larval development of Caridina sp. (Crustacea, Decapoda, Atyidae)

Abstract

The early larval development of Caridina sp. collected from the low-saline inshore waters of Cochin is described. The larvae hatch out in relatively advanced stage and pass through 5 moults during a period of 11 days, under laboratory conditions. Rearing iexperiments were carried out in the medium with salinity, 16-17%. and at temperature, 28.0°C to 28.5°C. IDescriptions of the adult shrimp and the first three zoeal stages are given with illustrations. A comparison of the eariy larval development of Caridina sp, with that of the allied species is made.