Effect of temperature on survival and developmental period of larval snow crab Chionoecetes opilio (Brachyura: Majidae) reared in the laboratory

Abstract

To identify the optimal rearing temperature for the larval snow crab Chionoecetes opilio, newly hatched larvae were reared in 1-L beakers the temperature of which was regulated at 10, 12, 14, and 16°C, respectively. Survival rates to reach the second zoeal stage were ca. 90% at each test temperature; however, mass mortality occurred in the beakers of 16°C after the second zoeal stage. The highest survival rate to reach the first crab stage was obtained in the beakers of 14°C. Developmental period (days) to reach each larval stage decreased with increasing temperature. The coefficient of variation of the days required to reach each larval stage tended to be minimized in the beakers of 14°C. Consequently, we conclude that the optimal rearing temperature for the larval snow crab is ca. 14°C.