Western rock lobsters reared to maturity

Abstract

Young of Panulirus longipes cygnus have been reared in captivity from the puerulus phase to adulthood. Improved growth rate in captivity resulted in larger size at maturity and eliminated differences in growth between juvenile males and females evident in the feral population, but did not result in earlier maturity. Ages at first breeding ranged from 4.9 years to 5.7 years.

When held at 25ºC, repetitive breeding occurred, in contrast to seasonal breeding in the wild population. Ecdysis did not always occur between each breeding cycle, but a fresh mating was required for the fertilization of each batch of eggs spawned.