• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.38-42
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• 2001

Molt-staging of Metapenaeopsis dalei was determined by microscopic observation on their setal development of dissected uropods, Five major stages (Stage A, B, C, D and E) were defined by the morphology of setal development. Premolt stage (Stage D) can be divided into 4 distinctive substages ($D_1{\sim}D_4$) according to the premolting processes. The setal cones were formed at Stage B under the old cuticle, and the setal shafts were visible at the end of such Stage $D_1'$. The casting process of the old cuticle lasted less than 1 min. The molt stages in M. dalei thus are generally similar to those of other shrimp species.