Structural organization of Thoracic and Abdominal Appendages in the Giant Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii
Keywords:
M. rosenbergii, Thoracic and abdominal appendages, Locomotion, ReproductionAbstract
The current research clarifies the finer structural arrangement and functional importance of the appendicular system of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (M. rosenbergii), the giant freshwater prawn, by use of microscopic observation of thoracic and abdominal appendage. To examine segmentation, articulation, musculature, setation, the adult specimens were dissected and examined using the stereo an d compound microscopes. The three thoracic maxillipeds had elaborate sensory and manipulative adaptations that provided coordination of feeding. Specialization of the five pereiopods was progressive with anterior chelate limbs to fine manipulation and hypertrophic second pereiopods to defense and prey capture as well as sexual display. The posterior walking legs had strengthened musculature that was appropriate to the benthic locomotion and posture stability. Abdominal pleopods were biramous with rhythmic articulation, which was useful in propulsion, respiration, and reproduction and uropods were hydrodynamic lamellae that worked together with the telson in quick responses to escape. Cheliped size and modification of pleopod were distinct sexual dimorphism. These appendages have a morphology that is integrated, which indicates ecological performance is evolutionary optimization between biomechanical design and ecological performance. The results demonstrate the efficiency of operational, behavioral and adaptive capabilities of M. rosenbergii in freshwater by segmental differentiation to offer important information on crustacean functional morphology and biomimetic biotechnological use.
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