THE LARVAL DEVELOPMENT AND METAMORPHOSIS OF THE PEDUNCULATE BARNACLEOCTOLASMIS MÜLLERI(COKER, 1902) REARED IN THE LABORATORY

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Abstract
The larval stages of O. muelleri are described in detail. In addition observations on the breeding season of adults and metamorphosis of cyprids to adult are made. Gravid barnacles were removed from the gills of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus and maintained in 35% seawater at 24-29.degree. C. Released larvae were reared on a mixture of algae, Tetraselmis suecica and Monochrysis sp. The larval phase of O. muelleri consists of 6 naupliar stages and 1 cyprid stage. Based on field observations and initial laboratory results, the breeding season of O. muelleri is probably restricted to summer months in temperature regions. Larval development from newly-hatched nauplius to cyprid ranges from 14-18 days at 24-29.degree. C. Larvae will not develop beyond stage II at 15.degree. C. Nauplii most closely resemble lepad larvae in general body form but have reduced mandibles and lack a series of abdominal spines.

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