Observations on the moulting behaviour of the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus)

Radhakrishnan, E V and Vijayakumaran, M (1998) Observations on the moulting behaviour of the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus). Indian Journal of Fisheries, 45 (3). pp. 331-338.

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Abstract

The moulting process of the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus in the laboratory was observed and described. In this speceis, a lobster approaching ecdysis can be identified, almost 48 hours before, by the presence of a longitudinal decalcified resorptive line along the branchiostegites. Under normal conditions, the lobster completes ecdysis within 8-10 hours after the initiation of the moulting process. The active phase of ecdysis is completed within 3- 4 minutes. Initially, the lobster withdraws the thorax gradually from the old exoskeleton and finally sheds the abdominal part of it by strong flapping of the tail. The lobster moulting on a rough substratum completes ecdysis in the upright position, whereas those moulting on a soft substratum rolls on to one side while withdrawing the walking legs. The newly moulted lobster regains mobility within a few seconds and avoids contact with other lobsters until the new exoskeleton is sufficiently hardened.

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