Haya: The Saudi Journal of Life Sciences (SJLS)
Volume-3 | Issue-01 | 19-21
Original Research Article
Moulting of Freshwater Crab Maydelliatelphusa masoniana Reared in the Laboratory Conditions
Kuldeep K. Sharma, Rakesh K. Gupta, Seema Langer
Published : Jan. 30, 2018
Abstract
Presently an experiment was conducted so as to understand the moulting
behaviour in freshwater crab Maydelliatelphusa masoniana in the laboratory
conditions. Out of eight crabs only five could moult while three died during ecdysis.
All the crabs exhibited the same pattern of moulting viz., appearance of double lining
in pereiopods, the old carapace becoming light in colour follow by its split along the
posterolateral margin of the dorsal side, anterolateral border of the ventral side and
posterior border of the chelipeds and legs. A new pre-exuvial soft layer is formed
below the old carapace. The whole process of moulting got completed within 20-25
minutes.