Post-larval development and sexual dimorphism of the spider crab Maja brachydactyla (Brachyura: Majidae)
2009
Guerao, Guillermo | Rotllant, Guiomar | Producció Animal | Aqüicultura
the post-larval development of the majid crab Maja brachydactyla Balss, 1922 was studied using laboratoryreared larvae obtained from adult individuals collected in the ne atlantic. the morphology of the first juvenile stage is described in detail, while the most relevant morphological changes and sexual differentiation are highlighted for subsequent juvenile stages, until juvenile 8. the characteristic carapace spines of the adult phase are present in the first juvenile stage, though with great differences in the degree of development and relative size. the carapace shows a high length/weight ratio, which becomes similar to that of adults at stage 7-8. males and females can be distinguished from juvenile stage 4, based on sexual dimorphism in the pleopods and the presence of gonopores. in addition, the allometric growth of the pleon is sex-dependent from juvenile stage 4, with females showing a positive allometry (b=1.23) and males an isometric allometry (b=1.02).
Show more [+] Less [-]Financial support was provided by the Ministry of Science and Research to GG (post-doctoral fellowship; INIA) and GR (Ramón y Cajal contract). Bench fees were funded by JACUMAR (REPES project) to GR. the authors would like to thank Jose Manuel Fortuño of the ICM (CSiC) for his assistance in SEM study and Glòria Macià, Miriam Matas, Isolda Banus, Sandra Molas and Joaquín Canoura for their support as hatchery and laboratory technicians at the IRTA, Sant Carles de la Ràpita.
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