Abstract

RODRIGUEZ-ALMARAZ, Gabino A.; MUNIZ-MARTINEZ, Rodolfo  and  MILLAN-CERVANTES, Alejandro. Larval development of Palaemonetes mexicanus and P. hobbsi (Caridea: Palaemonidae) reared in the laboratory. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2010, vol.81, suppl., pp.73-97. ISSN 2007-8706.

The caridean genus Palaemonetes occupies a wide variety of habitats from marine conditions to fresh-water. The marine and brackish species have an extended larval development, while fresh-water species have an abbreviated larval cycle. In this study reproductive aspects and type of larval development were compared between P. mexicanus and P. hobbsi, both fresh-water species from northeast Mexico. Ovigerous females of each species were collected at the type locality and maintained in the laboratory at temperatures between 22 a 24oC. The larvae were reared individually at the same temperature conditions, and newly hatched nauplii of Artemia and fish flakes were provided as food. P. mexicanus and P. hobbsi have an abbreviated development consisting of 3 larval and 2 postlarval stages. The larval cycle including the postlarva had a duration of 12 days for P. hobbsi, while in P. mexicanus lasted 16 days. The larval development of both species is almost identical. However, there are morphological features that can differentiate both species. Aspects of fecundity, biometry of females, eggs and larvae are discussed.

Keywords : Caridea; Palaemonetes; larval development; northeast Mexico.