Abstract
The larval development of the freshwater shrimp Macrobrachium nattereri (HELLER) was
studied in the laboratory based on the offspring of a berried female collected in a small, terra-firme,
forest stream near Manaus. Larval development was abbreviated, with 3 larval stages. Yolk-rich larvae
subsisted, without feeding, until metamorphosis and were benthic, The newly-hatched larva had sessile
eyes and all appendages, except for the uropods; however, most of the appendages were not fully
formed. Larval period did not exceed 8 days. Descriptions and illustrations of the 3 larval and first
juvenile stages are presented. Comparisons are made with the larvae of other known South American
Macrobrachium species with abbreviated larval development.
