The embryonic development of the snapping shrimp, Alpheus angulosus McClure, 2002 (Decapoda, Caridea)

Abstract

Alpheus angulosus McClure, 2002 is one of several species of snapping shrimp that live along the east coast of the United States and belong to the edwardsii group of Alpheus. The genus Alpheus presents with bilateral asymmetry in their chelipeds, specifically a large snapper and a smaller pincer. This is an extreme example of the asymmetry found in many other crustaceans. A significant amount of work has been done on the adult behavior, physiology, and transformation/regeneration of the two claws, but less is known about the early development of the nervous system that underlies this asymmetry. The work reported here begins to establish an atlas of embryonic development in this species staged by using both eye index and percent development connected to yolk depletion during embryogenesis. This represents the first step toward a more comprehensive understanding of embryonic development that can be used to address future neuro-developmental questions regarding limb asymmetry and plasticity.