Factors Affecting Growth and Maturation of Spiny Lobsters, Panulirus argus, in the Florida Keys

Abstract

Overall growth rates of sublegal-sized (50–75 mm carapace length (CL)) and large ([Formula: see text] CL) spiny lobsters, Panulirus argus, in the Florida Keys were 0.46 and 0.15 mm CL/wk; growth rates were 48 and 67% less, respectively, in winter than in summer. Injuries caused a significant 39% growth reduction in small (≤60 mm CL) lobsters. Growth decreased dramatically between 74 mm CL (0.46 mm CL/wk) and 76 mm CL (0.23 CL/wk). Between 71–75 and 76–80 mm CL size classes, intermolt periods of females increased 58% and molt increments decreased 16%; male intermolt periods increased 33% but molt increments did not change until 85 mm CL. Consequently, large ([Formula: see text] CL) males grew 33% faster than females. Changes in growth rates signified a shift in energy use at onset of maturation.