Application of ecosystem culture method for complete development of phyllosomas of spiny lobster

Abstract

The complete larval development of the phyllosoma stages has been achieved for the following palinurids: Jasus lalandii, J. edwardsii, and J. verreauxi, cool temperate species from the southern hemisphere; Palinurus elephas, a cool temperate species from Europe, and Panulirus japonicus, a warm temperate species from Japan. Males and females from the wild were transported to Sanriku, Japan, where they were bred in captivity for several successive years. Hatching occurred once each year between spring and summer. Newly-hatched phyllosomas were cultured in a 15, 20, 30 or 100 1 container which incorporated an upwelling system. The larval culture container was connected to a 200 or 500 1 microalgae Nannochloropsis spp. culture tank, and water recirculated between the two. For the early phyllosomas, food consisted of Artemia nauplii in combination with pieces of mussel ( Mytilus edulis) gonad. Mussel gonad was used exclusively after the 2nd or 3rd instar. The highest larval survivals (about 10%) were found with J. verreauxi while the lowest were for P. elephas, where heavy mortalities were noted at the 1st instar. Nevertheless, P. elephas is considered to be the most promising aquaculture species because its phyllosoma life of 132 days is short compared to 200–300 days for the other species.