Abstract

The growth and survival of juvenile (2–15 g) southern rock lobsters ( Jasus edwardsii) were examined under various culture regimes. In Experiment 1, lobsters held at ambient (13–18°C) or 18°C were fed either fresh mussels, a commercial prawn diet or a moist diet. Growth (specific growth rate (SGR)=1.2–1.32% BW day −1), survival (98%) and food conversion ratios (FCR=1.26–1.29) were significantly better ( P<0.05), and the protein component of the diet best utilised (protein productive value (PPV)=18.3–19%) ( P>0.05), when the lobsters were fed mussels. There was a significant interaction ( P<0.05) between diet and temperature. Growth at 18°C was significantly higher ( P<0.05) than at ambient, except when lobsters were fed the prawn diet when there were no significant differences ( P>0.05). The high acceptance and good consumption rate of formulated diets is a positive first step in the development of commercial diets for southern rock lobsters. In Experiment 2, lobsters held at ambient (13–18°C) or 18°C were maintained in tanks containing hides, substrates or neither. Hides increased survival (98%, cf. 60–75%) ( P>0.05), although they did not increase growth ( P>0.05) compared to tanks without hides. The provision of a substrate to aid the lobsters in the moulting process did not prevent cannibalism. Lobsters grew significantly faster ( P<0.05) at 18°C (SGR=1.32% BW day −1) than at ambient (1.21% BW day −1), with the extra growth explained by a significantly higher ( P<0.05) apparent feed intake. Most mortalities were due to cannibalism of soft-shelled lobsters, suggesting that the design and management of systems will be an important component of mass culturing juvenile J. edwardsii.

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