Home range, homing and dominance in juvenile western rock lobsters.

Abstract

Home ranges of juvenile western rock lobsters (Panulirus longipes cygnus George), measured on a relatively uncrowded reef over a period of one year, did not exceed a radius of 15 m. Tagged juveniles transferred to similar reefs seldom remained on the new sites. Some found their way back to the home reef (from distances of up to 400 m), while many dispersed at random, travelling up to 8.3 km in 9 weeks. Dominance for food is displayed amongst juveniles (aged 2-5 years), especially under crowded conditions.

The significance of these behaviour patterns is discussed in relation to research and management problems.