EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON SURVIVAL, GROWTH AND FEED-INTAKE OF POSTLARVAL SPINY LOBSTERS, PANULIRUS-ARGUS

Ten-week growth of postlarval spiny lobsters (initial live weight 0.22 g) was greater (P<0.01) for animals reared at 30°C (final live weight 1.62±0.14 g) than for animals reared at 24, 27 or 33°C (final weights 0.60±0.04, 1.18±0.04 and 0.92±0.16 g, respectively). Suppressed growth among lobsters held at 24°C was due to prolonged intermolt periods and reduced size increments with each molt. Lobsters reared at 33°C had lower survival, smaller molting increments and lower feed conversion than lobsters held at 30°C. Data indicate that optimal growth of postlarval Panulirus argus occurs at water temperatures of 29-30°C, with optimal feed conversion occurring at slightly lower temperatures. © 1990.