Correct diagnosis of early zoeal stages of Athanas nitescens (Leach, 1814) (Decapoda, Caridea, Alpheidae) using laboratory-raised larvae

Abstract

The morphology of the first two larval stages of Athanas nitescens (Leach, 1814), reared under laboratory conditions, is redescribed. The present data are compared with previous works, since a clarification of the morphological characters of the first two larval stages of A. nitescens is needed, in order to avoid misidentification of these stages in the future. © The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.