PLANKTONIC LARVAL STAGES OF BRACHYURA IN THE GULF-OF-TIGULLIO (LIGURIAN SEA, ITALY)

Horizontal planktonic catches made in the Gulf of Tigullio (Genoa, Lig urian Sea) have been analyzed with the aim of identifying the zoeae of Brachyura, whose knowledge is poor in all the northern Mediterranean Sea. Forty-four taxa (42 species plus Liocarcinus spp. and Brachynotus spp.) have been identified, 12 of which were present with all the lar val stages. The seasonal distribution of the taxa has been analyzed, a nd it was possible to recognize species present throughout the year as well as spring/summer, summer/autumn, and winter/summer species. Prob lems regarding zoeae of dubious identification are discussed.