Abstract
The complete larval development of the lobster shrimpLeonardsaxius amurensis(Kobjakova, 1937) (Decapoda: Axiidea: Axiidae) is described and illustrated for the first time. The first zoeae of this species were collected from the plankton samples and reared in the laboratory before moulting to the megalopa. A molecular genetic analysis based on comparison of partial mitochondrial COI, 12S rDNA and 16S rDNA sequence data confirmed the identity of axiid larvae found in the plankton andL. amurensisadults collected in the same area. The larval development ofL. amurensisincludes five zoeal stages and a single megalopa. Zoeae I ofL. amurensisare characterized by the presence of one short posterodorsal spine on the fifth pleonite in contrast to the larvae of related sympatric speciesBoasaxius princepshaving four posterodorsal spines on the pleonites 2–5.Leonardsaxius amurensisoccupies an intermediate position between lobster shrimps with abbreviated pelagic development (2–3 zoeal stages) and species with long development (up to eight zoeal stages). Thus, the number of zoeal stages in the family Axiidae varies widely, similarly to that in the families Callianassidae and Upogebiidae.
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