Embryonic development of Pachycheles chubutensis (Decapoda: Anomura)

Abstract

The different stages of embryonic development of the porcellanid crab Pachycheles chubutensis are described, along with the chronology of each stage at 16±1°C. Five different developmental stages (I-V) were recognized including: (i) early cells and 100% of the vitellum; (ii) formation of the embryonic primordium at the animal pole of the egg; (iii) presence of dark pigmentation on the posterior part of the ocular globe; (iv) appearance of chromatophores on mouth parts and in the abdominal zone; and (v) eye pigmentation in circularoval form, filling the entire surface. The embryonic development lasts from spawning to hatching approximately 21 days, with the second stage being the longest.