A comparison of two diets in the laboratory culture of the zoeal stages of the brachyuran crabs Rhithropanopeus harrisii and Neopanope sp.

Abstract

1. The zoeal stages of Rhithropanopeus harrisii and Neopanope sp. (Family Xanthidae) were raised in the laboratory on a diet of proven value, Artemia salina nauplii, and an experimental diet, the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis. 2. Survival to the megalopa was achieved on both diets for both species; however, survival was significantly lower for rotifer-fed larvae. Rotifer-fed Neopanope sp. larvae showed lower percent survival of control (A. salina nauplii) than did rotiferfed R. harrisii larvae. 3. Delay in molting was immediately apparent in both species when fed rotifers. Intermolt duration was significantly longer for rotifer-fed larvae for all zoeal instars in R. harrisii and in the first two zoeal stages of Neopanope sp. 4. The results are compared with similar studies previously reported for the portunid crab Callinectes sapidus. © 1976 Biologischen Anstalt Helgoland.