Fouling Communities Developed on the Floating Artificial Reef for the Puerulus Larvae of the Japanese Spiny Lobster in Nayaura Inlet Facing the Sea of Kumano

Abstract

In order to study the settlement of puerulus larvae of the japanese spiny lobster Panulirus japonicus (VON SIEBOLD), the fouling communities developed on a floating artificial reef were examined during the period from 1985 to 1986.The puerulus larvae may settle as a result of PHILLIPS'S“grasping response”, but they presumably prefer to settle during a stage in the development of fouling community on the collector which is suitable for them.In the“conditioning”of a collector for the puerulus larvae, therefore, the procedure should be carried out according to the locality, season, year, etc.