Shellfish Breeding and Hatchery Management (2+1)

Procedure

The points can be followed to identify the larval stages of Scylla serrata.

Larval stages	Important Morphological characters
Zoea I	Eyes sessile ; 5 abdominal segments; telson with 3 + 3 spines.
Zoea II	Eyes stalked ; 5 abdominal segments; telson with 4 + 4 spines.
Zoea III	6 abdominal segments
Zoea IV	Rudiments of remaining thoracic appendages, abdominal segments with buds of pleopod.
Zoea V	Remaining thoracic appendages developed; pleopods on abdominal segments with setae; telson with 5 + 5 spines.
Megalopa	Carapace longer than wider; abdomen with 5 pairs of pleopods ; a pair of cheliped; 4 pairs of legs.
First crab instar	Carapace with 9 anterolateral teeth on either side; 3 pairs of walking legs; last pair of legs with paddle shaped dactylus; resembles parent.