A case of supernumerary pereiopod (IV right limb) in the Mediterranean slipper lobster, Scyllarides latus (Crustacea, Scyllaridae), is reported. The extra limb was formed after a successful molt occurred in the holding tank; the specimen, a male of 90 mm carapace length (CL), was fully viable despite the monstrosity. In the framework of a research project on restocking feasibility, almost another 300 specimens of S. latus were examined. Many minor (such as broken antennae or uropods) or major (e.g., the lack of limbs) damages were observed, which apparently did not influence survival or behaviour. Present findings suggest that slipper lobsters are sturdy animals, resilient to bodily harms and damages.
An anomalous specimen of Scyllarides latus (Decapoda, Scyllaridae)
2003
Abstract
A case of supernumerary pereiopod (IV right limb) in the Mediterranean slipper lobster, Scyllarides latus (Crustacea, Scyllaridae), is reported. The extra limb was formed after a successful molt occurred in the holding tank; the specimen, a male of 90 mm carapace length (CL), was fully viable despite the monstrosity. In the framework of a research project on restocking feasibility, almost another 300 specimens of S. latus were examined. Many minor (such as broken antennae or uropods) or major (e.g., the lack of limbs) damages were observed, which apparently did not influence survival or behaviour. Present findings suggest that slipper lobsters are sturdy animals, resilient to bodily harms and damages.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
