The spiny lobster, Jasus lalandei (H. Milne-Edwards), in South Australia. III. Food, feeding, and locomotor activity

Abstract

Observations made of stomach contents of the spiny lobster, Jasus lalandei (H. Milne-Edwards),indicated that it is an opportune feeder, calcareous food forming a large proportion of the natural diet. Laboratory experiments showed that J. lalandei feeds preferentially if given a choice, and selects baits of marine origin before those of terrestrial origin.

Feeding is a rhythmic process, most feeding taking place during the early night. Feeding records made in the laboratory under constant conditions of light and dark indicated some persistence of this feeding rhythm in constant darkness, but no persistence in constant light. However, the feeding rhythm observed under normal diurnal conditions of light and dark was altered by abnormal day lengths. J. lalandei is stimulated to feed by the change from light to dark.

An initial correlation was made between feeding and locomotor activity.