Effect of temperature and food ration on the growth and survival of early and mid-stage phyllosomas of the spiny lobster Jasus verreauxi

Abstract

Instar 1, 3, 5, and 7 phyllosomas of the spiny lobsterJasus verreauxi were reared individually at one of four temperatures (18, 21, 24, and 27C) and fed low, medium, or high rations of 2- to 3-mm Artemia salina. An increase in the temperature reduced the intermoult period for all instars tested, but only the instar 5 phyllosomas showed any significant differences in postmoult size with temperature; those at 18C were smaller. Phyllosomas reared at 18C ate fewer Artemia each day than did those at the higher temperatures, but instars 3 and 5 at 18C consumed more in total over the intermoult period. Survival for all instars tested was lowest at 18C. Increasing the food rations affected the growth and survival of instar 5 and 7 phyllosomas; those fed at the lower rations took longer to moult and had a smaller growth increment. For all instars tested, the feeding rate and total consumption increased with food ration.