Author Type

Faculty

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Hapalocarcinus marsupialis, the type-species in the family Hapalocarcinidae,is one of at least 27 species in 8 genera of these remarkable little crabs that settle on living scleractinian corals and eventually become partially or completely imprisoned in the resultant gall produced by the host coral. Hapalocarcinus marsupialis is widely distributed and has been recorded from the eastern tropical Pacific (Garth & Hopkins, 1968) and throughout the Indo-west Pacific (Edmondson, 1933; Fize & Serene, 1957; Takeda & Tamura, 1979; among others). Although much is known about the general biology of the species (see e.g., Potts, 1915), only the first stage larvae have been described. Potts (1915), Edmondson (1933), Fize (1956) and Al-Kholy (1963) all provided brief descriptions or illustrations of first zoeal stages, most of which are inadequate to allow meaningful comparisons with larvae from other hapalocarcinids. Coupled with the inadequacies just noted is the fact that hapalocarcinid larvae are among the more difficult of brachyurans to culture in the laboratory, apparently requiring extended lengths of time in several zoeal stages in order to complete their development (see Fize, 1956; Scotto & Gore, 1981). In order to further clarify the systematic position of the adult members, an attempt was made to rear larvae of H. marsupialis through as many developmental stages as possible. Regrettably, only the first 2 zoeal stages of H. marsupialis were obtained. Accordingly, we provide herein complete descriptions of these stages and compare the larvae with those of Troglocarcinus corallicola Verrill, noting several morphological characters which may be important at both the generic and specific levels.

DOI

10.1163/156854083x00767 (doi)

Publication Date

1983

Comments

Florida Atlantic University. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute contribution #290.

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