Larval culture
of the European spiny lobster Palinurus elephas
J. Kittaka, R. Kudo, S. Onoda, K. Kanemaru, J.P.
Mercer-2001
Marine and Freshwater Research, 52(8): 1439-1444
(from Current Contents)
Abstract :
The development of phyllosomas of the European spiny
lobster Palinurus elephas was examined in recirculating culture systems.
Approximately 2000 newly hatched phyllosomas were introduced into each of
three 100-L circular culture containers. Two of the containers, A and B,
shared a filter; container C had a separate system of similar design.
Hatched larvae of the sailfin sandfish Arctoscopus japonicus were fed to
phyllosomas in container A, and pieces of the gonad of the mussel Mytilus
edulis to those in container B. Phyllosomas in container C received both
foods for the first 24 days; thereafter A. japonicus comprised their sole
diet. Water temperature was maintained at 19-20°C in containers A and B and
at 16-18°C in container C. Two individuals from container A and 10 from
container C metamorphosed into pueruli after six instars at 65 and 69 days
respectively, whereas earlier trials involved an estimated nine instars to
metamorphosis after 132 days. Larvae thus cultivated were used to describe,
for the first time, the morphological development of Palinurus elephas
phyllosomas through metamorphosis to the puerulus stage. Fish larvae, such
as A. japonicus may be an important dietary component for cultivation of
palinurid phyllosomas.
(Nemuro City Fisheries Res Inst, Nemuro, Hokkaido
0870166, Japan, e-mail: kitutaka@city.nemuro.hokkaido.jp)