Sexual maturation in captive spiny lobsters,Jasus edwardsii, and the relationship of fecundity and larval quality with maternal size

Abstract

SummaryReproductive and somatic parameters of southern rock lobsters, Jasus edwardsii, held captive since puerulus and wild-caught adults were examined in terms of size at onset of maturity (SOM) and fecundity, culminating in an examination of how adult size may relate to larval competency. The SOM was much smaller in captive animals (62.5 mm carapace length, CL) compared to historical fishery data and indicated that precocious maturation may be induced in captivity. During this study, the fecundity was assessed as the number of viable phyllosoma at hatch, which was ~ 45% of egg estimates from the historical fishery data, suggesting either declining egg numbers in wild stocks over time or that major egg loss occurs during embryonic development. The association between SOM and sexual dimorphism was examined for several morphometric parameters. In females, the SOM was concomitant with increases to the width of the 1 st and 2 nd abdominal segments above 62.5 mm CL, while 2 nd and 3 rd leg length increased disproportionately in males compared to females above 77.5 mm CL. There were significant correlations between viable fecundity and female size (r = 0.92), phyllosoma size (r = 0.74) and larval viability as quantified by stress indices (r = -0.56) and LD-50 (r = 0.56), indicating that larger females produce larger, more viable larvae. These physiological traits in larval, juvenile and adult animals may have an impact on fishery and aquaculture production.

Impacts of Large Male-Selective Harvesting on Reproduction: Illustration with Large Decapod Crustacean Resources

“…26b). As seen in a range of animal taxa (Vallin and Nissling 2000;Berkeley et al 2004;Marshall and Keough 2004;Smith and Ritar 2007), positive relationships were found between maternal size and larval size, indicating that larger coconut crab females produce larger offspring. In marine species, mortality during the larval phase is generally very high, and is particularly at its highest early in the phase (Cushing 1988).…”

Can metamorphosis survival during larval development in spiny lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi be improved through quantitative genetic inheritance?

“…The effects of feed items on larval survival was also non-significant ( P > 0.05). Studies in fish and other species of spiny lobsters [ 38 ] also suggest that increasing female body weight was associated with larger larval body size and subsequently improving survival rates in the early phase of rearing [ 19 ]. Taken collectively, our results together with those reported in the literature suggest that in breeding programs and commercial production hatcheries, survival rates can be improved by minimising environmental impacts and improving farming practices, as reported in fish species [ 39 ].…”

Contrasting fecundity, size at maturity and reproductive potential of southern rock lobster Jasus edwardsii in two South Australian fishing regions

“…Egg size was not recorded in the current study but there is evidence to suggest that it increases with female size in at least some species of spiny lobster (Goni et al , 2003a). This has implications for J. edwardsii larval quality where larger females appear to produce larger, more viable larvae (Smith & Ritar, 2007).…”