Hatching in Calanus finmarchicus and some other copepods

• Published in: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
• Main Authors: Marshall, S. M., Orr, A. P.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1954
• Subjects: Aquatic Science; Calanus finmarchicus; Copepods
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0025315400008432; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0025315400008432

During observations on the development of the eggs of Calanus finmarchicus the process of hatching was watched on many occasions. Since it differs from that described by Ziegelmayer (1926) for cyclopids it seemed worth while examining the process in other groups of copepods as well. Hatching can be followed very easily in Calanus (Pl. I). For some time before, the form of the nauplius can be clearly seen with its limbs folded close to the body (A); in many a red pigment spot develops at this time in the otherwise transparent egg. Shortly before hatching the limbs begin to twitch occasionally and a space is just visible round the body of the nauplius. At this stage the inner and the outer egg membranes cannot be distinguished, but when hatching begins, the outer membrane must crack for the delicate inner membrane bulges out (B). The bulge enlarges rapidly (c), and the nauplius extends into the bulge, sometimes leaving a clear space between itself and the membranes (D). Usually it is either the head or the tail end which pushes into the bulge, but occasionally it is a limb. Probably it is abnormal for a limb to extrude first since such eggs do not always hatch successfully. As the inner membrane expands, the outer slips back and the inner, enclosing the nauplius, pops out (E). This emergence often occurs suddenly, but sometimes it is gradual (as in E), when the outer membrane crumples up on the inner, regaining its original shape only when the inner has slipped out and the tension is released (F).