Chromatophore distribution patterns in the first and second zoeae of atyid shrimps (Decapoda: Caridea: Atyidae) : a new technique for larval identification

Abstract

The abdominal chromatophores of the first and second zoeae were examined in five amphidromous atyid shrimps, which are widely distributing in southwest Japan: Caridina serratirostris De Man, C. typus H. Milne Edwards, C. leucosticta Stimpson, C. japonica De Man, and Paratya compressa compressa (De Haan) (small egg type). Chromatophore distribution pattern of larvae was found to be an effective character to identify respective species.