Larval Development of Palaemonid Prawn, Palaemon (Palaemon) debilis Dana from the Ryukyu Islands

The study of the larval development of the brackish and fresh waters palaemonid prawn, Palaemon (Palaemon) debilis was carried out under laboratory conditions. From hatching to the first juvenile, the larvae undergo about eight molts, passing through seven zoeal and a megalopal stages. Two types of megalopal stage appeared during the course of rearing. Details of these are described and illustrated, and also the eggs and spawning ecology are briefly mentioned