Abstract
Spiny lobsters of the genusPanulirusare economically important and support local fishing communities. However, mud spiny lobsterPanulirus polyphagusis among the least known species within this genus in terms of their biological information. This study relates to the size distribution, length-weight relationship, and size at morphometric maturity ofP. polyphagusin the Johor Strait. Within the year 2010, 300 specimens were collected off the coast of Johor Strait, Malaysia. There was no significant difference in body size (cephalothorax length, CL) and body weight (BW) between sexes. CL and BW were highly correlated and males ofP. polyphagusdisplayed positive growth allometry, whereas the opposite was observed in females. Based on the merus (ML) and carpus length (CPL) of the third right walking leg, the piecewise linear regression analysis estimated that the size at maturity for male was 6.58 cm CL (based on ML) and 7.58 cm CL (based on CPL), whereas it was 8.18 cm CL (based on ML) and 6.75 cm (based on CPL) for females. Two discriminant functions of high classification and revalidation rates (> 98.6% in males and > 98.7% in females) that can discern maturation status in males and females ofP. polyphaguswere derived using the discriminant function analysis. Biological information derived from this study serves as an essential baseline for future fishery management and conservation ofP. polyphagus.
Highlights
The genus Panulirus White, 1847 includes various species of spiny lobsters in the family Palinuridae, which are most economically significant and support coastal fisheries
Spiny lobsters P. polyphagus were randomly obtained from local fishermen, and the measurements were acquired in situ right after their landing using gill nets
There is a strong correlation between cephalothorax length (CL) and body weight (BW) of P. polyphagus (r > 0.94, Table 1)
Summary
The genus Panulirus White, 1847 includes various species of spiny lobsters in the family Palinuridae, which are most economically significant and support coastal fisheries. Most of the spiny lobster species are sturdy, exhibit attractive coloration, are huge (generally with a body length of up to 60 cm), and inhabit a wide range of habitats and depths. Due to their benthic nature, spiny lobsters have important ecological roles, functioning as predators to other benthic organisms such as bivalves, gastropods, and other crustaceans (Castañeda-Fernández-de-Lara et al, 2005; Mashaii et al, 2010) and prey to other predators including octopus, sharks, rays, and snappers (Smith and Herrkind, 1992)
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