Abstract
AbstractThe high rates of cannibalism observed in American lobsters (Homarus americanus) held in communal rearing systems dictate that for a majority of the culture period the animals must be held individually in order to prevent these losses. An experiment was conducted to assess the dependence of growth rate, molting frequency, and survival on the amount of horizontal surface area provided for each lobster. Eight sizes of individual containers ranging from 6 to 750 cm2 were provided. Parallel experiments were conducted in containers made of both transparent and translucent materials so that the effects of visual communication also could be determined.The experiments have been in progress for 24 months. Growth and survival have been severely reduced in the smaller rearing containers. Molting frequency was not as severely affected. No significant differences in growth were found between lobsters in visual contact and visual isolation. Equations describing the relationship between space and growth are presented and estimates are made of the effects of space requirements on the design of a commercial lobster culture facility.
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