Growth and Morphogenesis of Larvae Reared at Different Temperatures, and Mass Culture of Larvae in the Coconut Crab Birgus latro (Decapod, Coenobitidae)

摘要

Hiis study examined the growth and morphogenesis of zoeae and megalopae of the coconut crab Birgus latro reared at different constant temperature levels (21.3， 24.6, 27.0， 29.8 and 32.4°C). The aim was to assist in the development of artificial propagation technologies for restocking/stock enhancement and aquaculture in this species. Mass culture of coconut crab larvae in two 5001 tanks at ~29°C was also conducted. Carapace length (CL) of zoeae tended to increase with increasing temperature, whereas the relative length of the exopod of maxillipeds to CL in zoeal stages, which function as mouth parts after the megalopal stage, tended to decrease. Moreover, the pleopod (fourth stage zoeae) and chela (megalopae) relative to CL were smallest at 21.3°C and largest at 29.8°C. Similar trends were found in the morphogenesis of the uropod: setae were fewest at 21.3°C and most at 27.0°C and/or 29.8°C. Larvae were cultured successfully in the tanks and showed high survival rates (71.1% and 81.6%) tothe megalopal stage. Thus, rearing temperatures of 27 - 30°C advanced the larval growth and morphogenesis and allowed the successful mass culture of larvae in the coconut crab.