Morphology of Postlarvae of the Yellowleg Shrimp Penaeus californiensis

Abstract

The morphology of postlarvae changes with each molt, and a sequential description is essential for scientific identification. Morphological characters of the postlarvae of P. californiensis reared in the laboratory were examined and described sequentially in order to compare them with those of wild specimens. Differences in the rostral and carapace length at the first appearance of the spine or spinules were recognized between the reared and the wild ones. A comparison with previous descriptions reveals some differences in rostral form and in the relative length of the antennular flagella. The relative growth of carpus of the 3rd pereopod against the carapace and the presence of thoracic spines are proposed as possible discriminating characters of the species.