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.

    Item Type: Article
    Uncontrolled Keywords: Spiny Lobster; Panulirus homarus; Moulting behaviour
    Subjects: Crustacean Fisheries > Lobsters
    Divisions: CMFRI-Kochi > Marine Capture > Crustacean Fisheries Division
    Subject Area > CMFRI > CMFRI-Kochi > Marine Capture > Crustacean Fisheries Division
    CMFRI-Kochi > Marine Capture > Crustacean Fisheries Division
    Subject Area > CMFRI-Kochi > Marine Capture > Crustacean Fisheries Division
    Depositing User: Dr. V Mohan
    Date Deposited: 17 Mar 2010 05:54
    Last Modified: 09 Sep 2015 15:05
    URI: http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/id/eprint/181

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