Larval Development of the Caridean Shrimp Exopalaemon styliferus (H. Milne Edwards, 1840) (Decapoda, Caridea, Palaemonidae) from the South of Iraq Reared in the Laboratory

The complete series of larval development of the caridean shrimp Exopalaemon styliferus (H. Milne Edwards, 1840) was determined from the laboratory hatching of ovigerous females. There were 6 zoeal stages followed by a megalopa. The distinctive features of zoea I are as follows: total length 2.72 mm, rostrum shorter than peduncle of antennules, scaphognathite of maxilla with 5 setose marginal setae and there are 3 rudiments of peraeopods. These stages were described in detail. A comparison was made with larvae of closely related species.