Estimates of the Size of First Maturity of the Western Rock Lobster, Panulirus cygnus, Using Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Abstract

The size of first maturity of P. cygnus has been estimated using the intersect analysis method and shown to be applicabIe to males as well as females which are smaller than males at this stage of development. The method which is based on significant differences between slopes of regression lines also demonstrated variation in size of maturity of males within the coastal population. Estimates were in close agreement with those obtained by examination of gonad material.