The First Phyllosoma Larvae of the Spiny Lobster, Genus Panulirus

Although many kinds of Panulirus phyllosoma larvae have been obtained by plankton hauling and studied by various authors, some difficulties still remain in distinguishing their species and stages of development. However, the first stage of phyllosoma larvae, which can be obtained from berried lobsters, may present some characteristics useful for identifying their species. Studies of the first phyllosoma hitherto made include twelve species. Morphlogical characters of Panulirus japonicas phyllosoma were compared to those of other species to distinguish their specific cllaracters from the common characters