Physiological Studies on Cancer irroratus Larvae. I. Effects of Temperature and Salinlty on Survival, Development Rate and Size

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Abstract
Larvae of the rock crab C. irroratus were eurythermal and stenohaline during development. Complete development occurred between 10.degree.-24.degree. C in 30.permill. S. Survival to the megalopa stage ranged from 20% (at 10.degree. C) to 83% (at 24.degree. C). Development was successful in 25, 30 and 35.permill. S at 15.degree. C, but survival exceeded 50% only in 30 and 35.permill. S. Temperature and salinity significantly influenced molt frequency, intermolt duration and larval size. Maximum growth at metamorphosis was found at the mid-range of the thermal tolerance limits (15.degree.-18.degree. C). Comparison of these laboratory-determined data on survival and growth with available field data on the life history of C. irroratus suggests that the majority of larvae are released during that portion of the spawning period when larval wastage would be minimized and recruitment to the parental and regional populations would be maximized.