Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Influence of initial starvation on the larval development of the brackishwater crab Metaplax distincta H. Milne Edwards, 1852.

Volume 29 Issue 1&2

T. Krishnan and T. Kannupandi

Abstract

The present study depicts the effects of early lack of food on later survival and development duration in the brackishwater crab Metaplax distincta. Initial feeding of 2 d suffices for all the Z-I to moult successfully to Z-II without further feeding and Point of Reserve Saturation for 50 % of individuals (PRS so) is ca. 1.3 d. Starvation periods beginning right after hatching of Z-I prolongs the instar and Point-of-No-Return for 50% of individuals (PNR 50) is 1.2 d. It is suggested that initial feeding is paramount important for the successful development and survival of crab larvae.

Date : 31-12-1987