Contributions to the Knowledge of the Larval Morphology of Synalpheus Spence Bate, 1888 (Caridea: Alpheidae): Description of the First Zoea of S. antillensis Coutière, 1909 and S . cf. townsendi Coutière, 1909 Reared in Laboratory
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT The first zoea of two Synalpheus species, namely: S. antillensis and S. cf. townsendi , are herein described. They were also compared with the genus descriptions and with their respective species complexes available in the literature. Morphological information on Synalpheus zoea I exhibits an increase from 19 to 21 species, and it corresponds to 12% of the total number of species. Synalpheus antillensis presented four different morphological characteristics that have helped to identify the species from the Brevicarpus group, whose first larval stage was described. They showed several differences from S. minus and S. brevicarpus and closer morphological similarity with S. ubatuba . Synalpheus cf. townsendi showed three different morphological characteristics that have assumingly contributed to a correct species diagnosis in the Synalpheus townsendi species complex. However, only S. scaphoceris held minimal information about its first zoea. The two herein described larvae had morphological characteristics typical of extended development species: free‐swimming larvae often associated with non‐eusocial species. Information provided in this study revealed that both larval descriptions provided new information about the morphology of Synalpheus zoea I with extended development species. It also enhanced the knowledge on closely related species and helped better understanding Synalpheus life history.
Source: Acta Zoologica
DOI: 10.1111/azo.70053
Authors: Rafael C. Santos, Rogerio C. Costa
Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,400
OpenAlex ID: W7219584537