Observations sur le développement larvaire de Nyctiphanes couchii (Crustacea: Euphausiacea) au laboratoire

Larvae of Nyctiphanes couchii (Bell) were reared in the laboratory from the second and third calyptopis stages; they were fed animal, algal and mixed diets. Data are presented on larval morphology, growth and moulting rates. It is demonstrated that N. couchii is capable of filter-feeding and of capturing prey from the calyptopis phase onwards. The influence of diet on larval development is discussed: algal diets induce a slower growth rate than that achieved by feeding with Artemia salina nauplii alone, and increase the length of intermoult periods and of ontogenesis. A limited supply of A. salina nauplii has similar effects.