1. The external anatomy of 5 zoeal stages of Bathynectes superba is described from laboratory-reared specimens. Based on Mxp 3, P 1 to 5, P12 to 5, and U structure in Zoea V, it is concluded that this is the last zoeal stage even though no megalopae were obtained.2. It is suggested that Bathynectes can be distinguished from Portunus and Callinectes by differences in lateral carapace spine: rostrum ratio, A 2 exopod: peduncular spine ratio, spination of telson, and relative lengths of lateral abdominal spines.