Anatomical studies of Mantis shrimp

Abstract

The present report is an illustrated account of the morphological and anatomical studies of exponential commercial species of mantis shrimps Gratasquilla nepa of Karachi coast, it is also of academic importance. The account includes detailed and thorough study of external characters. All the internal organs were studied importance was however given to the nervous system, circulatory, reproductive and digestive system, especially to the digestive system because these animals are mistaken for parasite on fish and thus considered unfit for human consumption by local fisherman and public. The mode of feeding and structure of stomach shows that this is not true. The heart being elongated is of immense academic importance in understanding the evolution of crustacea. These mantis shrimps represent an important component of the fish trash which is landed at the fish harbour along with the commercial catches. This unexpansive and ignored species is well suited for the study of crustacea both at post graduate and undergraduate level. Being edible it’s a pity that they are neither eaten nor exported for which purpose information about the life history, morphology, physiology and behaviour of mantis shrimp becomes necessary, also there are many questions to be answered. Whether they can be reached in the laboratory or field, what are the ways to increase their catch?. Is it possible to establish a commercial industry (Japan is the country where one of the edible species Sequilla oratoria makes an earning industry). Anatomical work though does not answer the problem suggested about but as a map to the explorer, anatomy provides the biologist as a guide. Several important finding are included here which have not been reported previously in the literature. During the investigation period it was noticed that June to January is the season for fully developed specimens and also one species is present in different colour pattern, they are photographed for record. For the sake of accuracy and clarity the illustrations are large and the structures shaded to give a sense of depth. The anatomical parts are labelled with abbreviations. The plates are defined as diagrams. The report consists of 67 pages and 25 plates counting 45 illustrations.