Statocyst of Jasus edwardsii pueruli (Crustacea, Palinuridae), with a review of crustacean statocysts

Abstract

In the puerulus of Jasus edwardsii, the statocyst opens onto the dorsal surface of the basal segment of the antennule. The opening is bordered by two types of setae. The cavity contains many minute hardened statoliths, which are devoid of a mineral or crystalline core and are not cemented together. There are no sensory hairs, secretory pores or fluid within the cavity; these are found among other decapods, but it appears that the Palinuridae are an exception. Knowledge of the statocyst in crustaceans in general is briefly reviewed.

Extra keyword: statolith.