Aspects of Decapod Crustacean Biology

This collection of essays deals with themes in the life cycles and natural history of various species of decapod crustaceans, The programme of the symposium was based loosely on the larval biology and ecophysiological adaptions of decapods. The background linking themes were life histories, including larval recruitment and other aspects of commercial exploitation of decapods. Since many of them are being farmed, their life cycle, behaviour and reproductive physiology are of particular interest. Others are fished from the wild, where issues such as the rate of growth and replenishment of populations, predation and movement are important considerations. In both cases, the uptake of trace metals and other potential pollutants is a concern. The symposium also included papers designed to be of interest to a wider spectrum of biologists such as evolutionary trends in these species and studies of ontogeny and taxonomy. Other papers discussed the general and endocrine physiology and nervous systems of these creatures. Some details of ongoing research were included. The work is designed for those involved in invertebrate zoology, ecology, population biology, physiology, fisheries and neurobiology.Table of ContentBrachyuran life history strategies and the optimization of egg production; evolutionary trends in larval form; the megalopa stage in majid crabs, with a review of spider crab relationships based on larval characters; hormonal processes in decapod crustacean larvae; phylogenetic significance of the brachyuran megalopa - evidence from the Xanthidae; larval locomotion, sensors, growth and their implications for the nervous system; ontogeny of anomuran eyes; quantitative sampling of crustacean larvae and its use in stock size estimation of commercially exploited species; rhythmic behaviour of decapod crustaceans; physiological ecology of burrowing decapods; the ecophysiology of decapods in the rock pool environment; the photoecology of pelagic oceanic decapods; the significance of trace metal concentrations in decapods; the ecology and physiology of decapods of mangrove swamps; environmental influences on Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) populations and their implications for fishery management; lobster behaviour, population structure and enhancement. Index.