Maternal influence on the larval morphometry of the brush-clawed shore crab Hemigrapsus takanoi (Decapoda: Brachyura)

The morphology of larvae is a key factor influencing their behaviour, performance and ultimately survival. There evidence indicating significant morphological variability among broods, that this may be related to the size or conditions mother. However, maternal influence not consistent across decapod crustaceans. Using 35 broods from different mothers crab Hemigrapsus takanoi collected in same locality inner Tokyo Bay at time, we tested hypothesis there positive relationship between mother progeny’s morphology. Our results indicate patterns length lateral, rostral dorsal spines differentiated two distinct morphogroups larvae. These were linked mother, showing larger produced bigger with longer carapace spines. It possible can swimming predator avoidance, respectively. relationships should future experimental studies.