28 research outputs found
Morphology of the megalopa of the mud crab, Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould, 1841) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Panopeidae), identified by DNA barcode.
The morphology of the megalopa stage of the
panopeid Rhithropanopeus harrisii is redescribed and
illustrated in detail from plankton specimens identified by
DNA barcode (16S mtDNA) as previous descriptions do
not meet the current standard of brachyuran larval
description. Several morphological characters vary widely
from those of other panopeid species which could cast
some doubt on the species’ placement in the same family.
Besides, some anomalous megalopae of R. harrisii were
found among specimens reared at the laboratory from
zoeae collected in the plankton. These anomalous morphological
features are discussed in terms of problems
associated with laboratory rearing conditions