@article{Anger_Moreira_2004, title={Biomass and elemental composition of eggs and larvae of a mangrove crab, Sesarma rectum Randall (Decapoda: Sesarmidae) and comparison to a related species with abbreviated larval development}, volume={68}, url={https://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/view/349}, DOI={10.3989/scimar.2004.68n1117}, abstractNote={We measured biomass and elemental composition (dry mass, W; carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, CHN) in eggs and larvae of a mangrove crab, <i>Sesarma rectum</i>. The results are compared with previously published data from a closely related species with abbreviated development (<i>S. curacaoense</i>). Egg size of <i>S. rectum</i> increased during embryogenesis, while egg biomass, C content (%W), and the C:N ratio decreased. Initial biomass of eggs and larvae in S. rectum was about half of that in S. curacaoense, also showing lower percentage values of C and H and a lower C:N ratio (indicating a lower lipid content). After hatching, however, the zoeae of S. rectum showed higher growth rates than those of <i>S. curacaoense</i> (presumably due to partial utilisation of internal energy reserves in the latter) and a longer period of development to the megalopa (passing though three vs. only two zoeal stages); as a consequence of these differential growth patterns, <i>S. rectum</i> compensated for the initially lower biomass. Interspecific comparison among neotropical Sesarmidae suggests an intermediate degree of dependence on planktonic food sources in <i>S. rectum</i>, which is lower than in estuarine species with small eggs and an extended mode of development (e.g. <i>Armases angustipes</i>), but higher than in relatives with larger egg biomass and an abbreviated development (e.g. <i>A. miersii, S. curacaoense, S. fossarum, Metopaulias depressus</i>). This should allow <i>S. rectum</i> larvae to develop partially within the parental mangrove system, but requiring a limited export towards coastal marine waters with planktonic food sources.}, number={1}, journal={Scientia Marina}, author={Anger, Klaus and Moreira, Gloria S.}, year={2004}, month={Mar.}, pages={117–126} }