Larval Development of Paratya Australiensis Kemp, 1917 (Decapoda: Caridea: Atyidae), Reared in the Laboratory, With Comparisons of Fecundity and Egg and Larval Size Between Estuarine and Riverine Environments

Abstract

The larval development of Paratya australiensis consisted of 8 stages and lasts between 28 and 45 days in the laboratory. Stages I-IV were regular, but stages V-VIII were irregular with "mark-time molts" and a "skipped stage" common. Metamorphosis occurred after 7-12 ecdyses. This development is intermediate between the abbreviated development of Caridina spp. and the extended development of other atyids. Eggs and early stage larvae were larger and brood sizes were smaller in P. australiensis collected from riverine locations than those collected from an estuarine location in the same river system. There were no differences in development between laboratory-reared larvae from the two habitat types. The apparent plasticity of development is discussed in relation to environmental conditions.