ABSTRACT
A breakthrough in the field of cryopreservation of shrimp embryos and nauplii has been made by Subramoniam. In spite of the foregoing, cryopreservation of eggs and embryos of aquatic animals has really received an appreciable amount of attention. The limited success achieved in the cryopreservation of viable eggs, embryo and larvae of higher animals was attributed to the large size of the eggs and embryos which interferes in the penetration of cryoprotectants and uniform cooling during the cryopreservation process. Among crustaceans the prospects of shrimp, lobster and crab culture have improved noticeably during the past decade, as the biology and husbandry of these crustaceans have been more thoroughly investigated. The gametes of marine animals are quite unique in many ways and show remarkable differences from terrestrial animals. Research pertinent to gamete structure and induction of gamete activity in marine animals, especially of invertebrates, is limited and not much information is available.
