INTEGUMENTAL ORGANS OF THE PHYLLOSOMA LARVA OF THE ROCK LOBSTER JASUS-EDWARDSII (HUTTON)

The external morphology and distribution of the integumental organs of the final-stage phyllosoma of the rock lobster Jasus edwardsii were examined. Seven types of organs were recognized on the integument of the body trunk, antennules and antennae: plumose setae, simple setae, porous setae, aesthetasc setae, simple pores, dorsal cuticular organs and dome-shaped structures. The plumose setae and simple pores were abundant on the dorsal surface of the cephalosome, abdomen and telson. The dorsal cuticular organs were present only on the dorsal surface of the cephalosome, and the aesthetasc setae were restricted to the antennule. A comparison of the morphology of these organs with the sense organs of other decapods with known function suggests that the dorsal surface of the body trunk is one of the major sites of reception of near-field water movement in the Jasus phyllosoma.