Larval development of the Caribbean king crab Maguimithrax spinosissimus (Lamarck, 1818), the largest brachyuran in the western Atlantic (Crustacea: Decapoda: Majoidea)

Abstract

The complete larval development of the spider crab Maguimithrax spinosissimus (Lamarck, 1818) is re-described and illustrated in detail from laboratory-reared material. The development consisted of the typical pattern reported for the Majoidea, two zoeal stages and one megalopa. The complete larval development from hatching to first crab lasted 5–6 days at temperatures that ranged between 24–28 °C. Both zoeal stages of M. spinosissimus exhibited moderate reduction in the number of setae in the maxilla and maxillipeds, from the first to the second zoeal stage, when compared with other closely related species. Maguimithrax spinosissimus can be easily distinguished from other species belonging to the closely related genus Mithrax by the (i) setation of the endopod of the maxillule, maxilla and second maxilliped in both zoeal stages; (ii) setation of the scaphognathite of the maxilla in the first zoeal stage; (iii) setation of the basis of maxilliped I in the second zoeal stage and megalopa; (iv) morphology of the antennule and antenna in the second zoeal stage; and (v) setation of the antennule, coxal endite of maxilla, and exopod of second maxilliped in the megalopa. All these characters support the recent generic status of Maguimithrax within the Mithracidae. Additional morphological details, not available previously, are provided. This study will provide support for conservation strategies in this species.

Genetic Identification of Bait to Support Sustainability of the Octopus Fishery from the State of Yucatan, Mexico

“…Also, the use of the Caribbean king crab Maguimithrax spinosissimus named by local fishers as "monstruito" was reported, in at least three localities (Progreso, Dzilam de Bravo, and San Felipe). This is the largest brachyuran crab in the Western Atlantic, reaching a carapace length of up to 180 mm and weighing more than 3 kg (Turini et al 2021).…”

Restoration of herbivory on Caribbean coral reefs: are fishes, urchins, or crabs the solution?

“…Two studies, one conducted on large patch reefs (44 to 96 m 2 ) and another on contiguous reefs, arrived at similar estimates of D. antillarum retention (23%-30%) after 267-365 days (Wynne, 2008;Pilnick et al, 2022b). Olmeda-Saldaña et al (2021) showed that for more antillarum when urchin densities were above 0.15 urchin/m 2 but observed no effect on macroalgae at urchin densities of 0.04 urchin/m 2 . Stachowicz and Hay (1999b) postulated that high site fidelity and predation risk are associated with a broad generalist diet and compensatory feeding in marine crabs.…”