Correct identification and redescription of the larval stages and early juveniles of the slipper lobster Eduarctus martensii (Pfeffer, 1881) (Decapoda: Scyllaridae)

Abstract

The phyllosoma larvae of the slipper lobster Eduarctus martensii (Pfeffer, 1881) were first time successfully hatched in the laboratory and reared to Stage VI. It took 24 days for newly hatched larvae to reach Stage VI. We also confirmed the identities of wild-caught phyllosomas of this species by DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene (sequence similarities 98.8%–99.8%), including two late-stage individuals that developed into a nisto and an early juvenile. The diagnoses for all nine phyllosoma stages, the nisto, and the early juvenile are provided, with the number of rows of aesthetascs on the antennule appearing to be useful in assigning the developmental stage of the phyllosomas in E. martensii. The present confirmation of the identities of the phyllosomas of E. martensii reveals that previous reports on the developmental stages of this species contain inaccurate information and some even refer to different taxa.