Abstract
Larval development of the sesarmine crab, Perisesarma bidens (De Haan) was studied in the laboratory at salinities 0-35‰ at 23.5-25.5℃. Larvae survived to first crab stage at salinities between 10 and 35‰. In 0 and 5‰ S larvae died within 12 h after exposure without moulting to the next stage. Total duration required for development to first crab stage was 32, 28, 25, 18, 22 and 30 days at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35‰ S, respectively. Significant differences (P<0.05) of survival rate were found among the salinities tested. The best survival was recorded between 20 and 30‰S (P<0.05), and 25‰S was found to be optimal for complete larval development of P. bidens.
