Larval development of the crystal shrimp Penaeus (Farfantepenaeus) brevirostris under laboratory conditions

The larval stages of the crystal shrimp Penaeus (Farfantepenaeus) brevirostris were described based on the materials hatched and reared in the laboratory. The larval morphology of P.(F.) brevirostris was compared with four other Penaeus species that occurred off the eastern Pacific coast. The larval development of P.(F.) brevirostris consists of six naupliar, three protozoeal, and three mysis stages before the first postlarva. Differences in body size and setal formulae were recognized among the five species, and diagnostic keys were given for the fourth nauplius, the third protozoea, and all mysis stages. The chronology of nauplius and a non-molt growth of protozoea are discussed with those of other Penaeus shrimps.