Morphological Observation on the Early Larval Development of Thalamita danae (Crustacea, Decapoda, Portunidae)

Abstract

The major morphological characters are as follow: Z-1: Carapace length (CL)=0.37 mm; sessile eyes; 3 aesthetascs in front of Antennule; Anterior of the first and second Maxilliped exopod both with 4 plumose setae. Z-2: CL=0.48 mm; eyes stalked; there are 6 aesthetascs in front of Antennule; the first and second Maxilliped exopod both increased into 6 plumose setae. Z-3: CL=0.56 mm; the lateral spine becomes short. The first and second Maxilliped exopod are all with 8 plumose setae. Z-4: CL=0.68 mm; the aesthetascs of Antennule become 8; two pairs of Maxilliped exopod all with 10 plumose setae.