Observations on the breeding, larval development and taxonomic status of Macrobrachium equidens (Dana, 1852)

Abstract

Macrobrachium equidens collected from Cochin Backwaters (Kerala) is represented by two forms, stripicd and non-strijjed. Separate studies canied out on the breeding and larval development of these two forms indicated that no intcr-brecding between them take place. Further the distinct colour pattern characteristic of these forms became discernible as the post-larvae grew to a size of 20-25 mm. The observations lend support for the consideration of these two forms as distinct spcdcs.