Fecundity in the marine spiny lobster Jasus verreauxi (H. Milne Edwards) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palinuridae)

Fecundity in Jasus verreauxi (H. Milne Edwards, 1851) has been studied by a detailed investigation of (a) the total weight of eggs carried by female specimens, (b) the average number of eggs per 1 g sample, and (c) the total number of eggs carried by females. In mid October 1966, 217 females “in berry” (that is, carrying external eggs) were examined and measured at Spirits Bay, New Zealand. The fecundity study is based on the results obtained from 21 selected specimens, with carapace lengths from 15.5 cm to 23.5 cm.

A direct relation was found between the total weight of eggs carried and increase in carapace length. The total weight of eggs carried varied from about 51 g to 238 g for carapace lengths of 15.5 cm to 23.5 cm. No correlation was shown between the average number of eggs per 1 g sample and increase in carapace length. Considerable variation was noted in the number of eggs per 1 g sample, which ranged from a low count of 6,453 eggs to a high count of 8,341 eggs. The total number of eggs carried by female J. verreauxi was found to be related to an increase in carapace length. Furthermore, increase in fecundity per relative carapace length increase was noted to be greater in smaller specimens than in larger specimens. The total number of eggs carried ranged from about 385,000 for a carapace length of 15.5 cm to 1,940,000 for a carapace length of 23.5 cm.

Fecundity, as measured by the total weight of eggs carried and the total number of eggs produced, was found to be much higher in J. verreauxi than in several Jasus species previously studied by other workers.     

Notes on fecundity in the Marine spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii (Hutton) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palinuridae)

Fecundity in the New Zealand spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii (Hutton) has been investigated by a detailed examination of 14 selected females “in berry” (i.e. carrying external eggs), ranging in carapace lengths from 9.5 cm to 17.0 cm. The following data were obtained for each specimen: (a) the total weight of eggs carried, (b) the average number of eggs per 1 g sample, and (c) the total number of eggs carried.

A positive correlation was noted between the total weight of eggs carried and increase in carapace length. The total weight of eggs carried ranged from 26.9 g in a small specimen of 9.5 cm C.L., to 123.9 g in a large female of 16.0 cm C.L. No relation was found between the average number of eggs per 1 g sample and increase in carapace length. A low count of 3,541 eggs per 1 g sample was recorded, and a high count of 5,005 eggs. A direct relation was noted between the total number of eggs carried by J edwardsii and increase in carapace length. The number of eggs carried ranged from a low figure of about 124,278 in a small specimen of 9.5 cm C.L., to a high figure of about 538,242 in a large female of 17.0 cm C.L. The rate of increase in fecundity was found to be greater in smaller than in larger females of J. edwardsii     

Commercial landings of the spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii (Hutton) at Chatham Islands,New Zealand (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palinuridae)

The spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii (Hutton) supports a thriving new fishery at the Chatham Islands, about 770 km east of New Zealand. Commercial fishing for J. edwardsii started in November 1965, and within 2 years the area became a major centre of New Zealand's large spiny lobster fishery, which earned >NZ$5,000,000 in 1967. Over 12 months (September 1966 to August 1967) landings at the Chatham Islands made up 39.8% of the total New Zealand spiny lobster catch of 16,600,0001b.

In the first year of fishing 2,177,923 lb of spiny lobsters were caught, and in the second 7,129,658lb—a 227% increase. Fishing effort also increased substantially: average number of boats fishing each month rose by 174% in the second year, and the total number of boat‐fishing days by 152%. Most specimens of J. edwardsii caught are large and mature, typical of a virgin stock.     

Notes on laboratory rearing of juvenile spiny lobsters,jasus edwardsii (hutton) (crustacea: Decapoda: Palinuridae)

Post‐puerulus specimens of Jasus edwardsii (Hutton) have been successfully reared in the laboratory from the puerulus stage for periods of up to 12 months. The spiny lobsters were reared in concrete‐asbestos tanks measuring 2.4m × 37cm × 23cm. The tanks were supplied with a continuous flow of sea water and provided with constant aeration. Empty shells of paua (Haliotis iris Martyn) and rocks from the intertidal zone provided cover within the tanks.

Fresh mussel (Mytilus sp.) was preferred to all other foods tried in feeding experiments. The animals were fed every second day on opened mussels, and occasionally on fresh fish. The juveniles “grazed” actively on the calcareous algae (Corallina officinalis L.) present on the rocks.

The animals were extremely sensitive to pollution. To reduce pollution risks all sediments were removed from each tank, as the interstices between them were found to harbour uneaten food particles. Any uneaten foods were siphoned out every second day and each tank was thoroughly cleaned every six to eight weeks.

From a total of over 3,300 animals collected since November 1965, over 800 are presently being reared in the laboratory and various aspects of their ecology studied. The first step in raising larger adult sizes from juvenile stages in the laboratory is clearly possible.     

The distribution of spiny lobsters in New Zealand waters (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palinuridae)

Two species of spiny lobsters (marine crayfish) inhabit New Zealand waters: Jasus edwardsii (Hutton, 1875), and J verreauxi (H. Milne Edwards, 1851). J edwardsii, the more common species, is present along most rocky coastlines in New Zealand, but is more abundant in the south‐west of the South Island and at the Chatham Islands. The species apparently reaches its northern limit of distribution at the Three Kings Islands (34°S) and its southern limit at the Auckland Islands (51°S).

J. verreauxi, the less common species, is almost solely restricted in New Zealand waters to the north‐east coast of the North Island. It is uncommon in the west and the south of the North Island, and is rare in the South Island. J. verreauxi apparently reaches its northern limit of distribution at the Kermadec Islands (31°S), and its southern limit near Bluff (47°S) in the South Island.     

Recognition of marine spiny lobsters of the Jasus lalandii group (Crustacea : Decapoda: Palinuridae)

All species of Jasus inhabit continental or island waters of the Southern Ocean.

The are six species in the J. lalandii group which contains all but one of the known species of Jasus. Within the J. lalandii group two subgroups, each comprising three species, are recognised. Taxonomic variation is discussed and a key for identification presented. For efficient management, administrators should know the geographic limits of species on which fisheries are based.     

Spatial Distributions of Phyllosoma Larvae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palinuridae and Scyllaridae) in Taiwanese Waters

Distributions and taxonomy of phyllosoma larvae were examined in Taiwanese waters, based on ichthyoplankton samples collected from May 1990 to July 1995. Phyllosoma larvae belonged to the two families Scyllaridae and Palinuridae representing 6 genera and 13 species. Of the collected phyllosoma larvae, those of Scyllarus and Panulirus species were most abundant, forming 90% of total numbers. Early stage Scyllarus and Panulirus phyllosoma larvae were abundant in Taiwanese waters. Middle to late stages (except the final stage) of Panulirus phyllosoma larvae were absent from the waters throughout the year, while those of Scyllarus phyllosoma larvae were collected in the waters. This suggests that all stages of Scyllarus phyllosoma larvae may be retained in the northern part of the waters around northern Taiwan while middle to late stages of Panulirus phyllosoma larvae may be flushed out from the waters, the sub-final and final stages then possibly returning to the waters. An anticlockwise eddy existed in the waters off northeastern Taiwan, which may be closely related to flushing out and returning of Panulirus phyllosoma larvae through a much longer planktonic period. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Distribution of Phyllosoma Larvae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palinuridae,Scyllaridae and Synaxidae) in the Western North Pacific

Phyllosoma larvae were identified and their distribution was examined, based on the larvae in ichthyoplankton samples collected in the Japanese Eel Expedition to the spawning area of A. japonica in the western North Pacific from August 30 to September 13, 1986 (Leg. 1), and from September 22 to 25, 1986 (Leg. 2), on board the R/V Hakuho-maru. Phyllosoma larvae belonged to 3 families (Scyllaridae, Palinuridae and Synaxidae) representing 6 genera and 14 species. A total of 336 palinurid and synaxid phyllosoma larvae were collected, of which 233 larvae (about 70%) were identical with P. longipes s. l, while a total of 362 scyllarid phyllosoma larvae were collected, of which 274 larvae (about 76%) were identical with S. cultrifer. Phyllosoma larvae of P. longipes s. l and S. cultrifer showed a similar distribution to each other. The larvae were abundant in the water close to Mariana Islands, although late stage examples were abundant in waters of Luzon and eastern Taiwan. Distributions of these larvae may be related intimately with the North Equatorial Current existing along 15°N. The North Equatorial Current approaches the eastern coast of the Philippines and then separates into two branches of northward and southward flows. The northward flow contributes to generating the Kuroshio Current while the southward flow goes to generate the Mindanao Current. Judging from distributions of phyllosoma larvae in the present study, it is assumed that the larvae of the above two species may have been released in Mariana Islands and transported westward from there through the North Equatorial Current. These larvae may then be transported to eastern Taiwanese waters.     

Phylogeny and phylogeography of the land hermit crab Coenobita purpureus (Decapoda: Anomura: Coenobitidae) in the Northwestern Pacific Region

Hermit crabs of the family Coenobitidae comprise the land hermit crabs, with 16 Coenobita species, and the coconut crab Birgus latro. They are terrestrial but spend their marine life as planktonic larvae. Some coenobitid crabs are widely distributed in the Indo‐West Pacific region, and some species occupy narrower ranges. To improve our knowledge of coenobitid crab speciation and geographical distribution patterns, we examined the phylogenetic relationship between Coenobita purpureus, which has a narrow distribution in the Northwestern Pacific, and its more widely distributed coenobitids including B. latro, Coenobita brevimanus, Coenobita cavipes, Coenobita perlatus, Coenobita rugosus and Coenobita violascens based on the mtDNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rDNA genes. We also assessed the phylogeography of Co. purpureus populations based on the COI gene. Our phylogenetic and phylogeographical analyses revealed that (i) Co. purpureus clustered with Co. rugosus and (ii) the Co. purpureus population in the Ogasawara Islands was genetically distinct from those in other regions, which showed genetic panmixia. It has been hypothesized that Co. purpureus evolved in the isolated landmasses of the Ryukyu region during the Pliocene, and that its population expanded and colonized the Ogasawara Islands in the late Pleistocene. Further phylogeographical studies on Coenobita species with relatively narrow distributions coupled with characterization of their phylogenetic relationships with widely distributed congeners will advance our knowledge of the speciation and geographical distribution history of coenobitid crabs.     

Temperature effects on the embryo development and hatching of the spiny lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi

Factors affecting the development of the embryos and production of larvae of the spiny lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi were investigated. Mature lobsters were collected from the fishery in New Zealand and held in captivity until they moulted, mated, and extruded eggs. For females, moulting took place in winter (July/August) and mating occurred 58–88 days later in early spring. The ovigerous females were then held at three temperatures and embryo development monitored at approximately weekly intervals. Mean times to hatch were 55, 75, and 130 days at 20°C, 17°C, and 13°C respectively. The total number of larvae that hatched from each female ranged from 0.97 to 1.4 million. The theoretical temperature at which embryo development ceases (a biological zero) for S. verreauxi, of 9.4°C, was calculated from data on the appearance of the median eye, the eyes and the chromatophores, and the time to hatch. An eye index formula was also derived to allow prediction of time to hatch at a range of temperatures using the cumulative difference between the rearing temperature and the biological zero. First instar phyllosomas from embryos reared at 20°C were significantly smaller than those from 17°C and 13°C but there was no significant difference in fitness. This study shows that hatching can be spread over a number of months, without significantly affecting larval quality, simply by manipulating holding temperature.     

The Biology of Upogebia pusilla (PETAGNA) (Decapoda, Thalassinidea)

Abstract. Populations of the thalassinidean shrimp Upogebia pusilla were studied on tidal flats in the Northern Adriatic Sea. Biometric analysis showed a sexual dimorphism, especially in propodus size. Size frequency distributions revealed the presence of large animals during all seasons; recruitment by juveniles occurred in autumn. Moult intervals and moult increments were determined in the laboratory and used to generate growth curves which were compared with those calculated from size frequency distributions. The life span of U, pusilla is over 5 years. Ovigerous females occurred between March and September. Egg numbers were high in spring, lower in summer and increased with body size. The incubation time of embryos was 35 days; a female produces an estimated number of three egg batches during the breeding season. A total annual production of 994 kJ was estimated for a theoretical population of 100 animals; 13.5 % is spent for somatic growth, 31 % for egg production of females, and 55.2% is lost as exuviae. The population structures, growth and breeding patterns, as well as embryonic and larval development within the Upogebiidae and Callianassidae are discussed.     

鼓虾科分类学研究进展

<正>1鼓虾科简介鼓虾科(Alpheidae)隶属于节肢动物门(Arthropoda)甲壳动物亚门(Crustacea)十足目(Decapoda)真虾下目(Caridea),是一个物种丰富和生态多样性非常高的科[1],至今已建立47属[2],其中仅鼓虾属(Alpheus)就已发现近300种[2-5]。本科中多为穴居或潜伏生活的种类,大部分种生活于热带和亚热带浅海,以印度洋-西太平洋区种类最为丰富[6],少数种生活在寒温带。几乎所有的鼓虾都生活在海底,很少有离开底部     

Phyllosoma larvae of Jasus edwardsii (Hutton) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palinuridae) and their distribution off the east coast of the North Island,New Zealand

The complete series of phyllosoma larval stages of spiny lobster lasus edwardsii are described. Eleven stages are recognised from specimens captured in plankton samples collected along a transect extending 185 km east of Castlepoint, North Island, New Zealand between July 1969 and December 1971. A table of distinguishing characteristics and a key for identification of stages are presented. First stage larvae occur between August and October and last stage larvae about 15 months later. Mortality through the phyllosoma stages is estimated to be 98%. Early stage larvae occur mainly inshore in Southland Current water in the upper 5 m, and later stage larvae occur more frequently offshore in East Cape Current water at 40–60 m depth.     

Determination of moult stage in the South African West Coast rock lobster Jasus lalandii (h. Milne Edwards) (Crustacea: Decapoda)

Nine stages and substages of post-, inter- and premoult were distinguished in the West Coast rock lobster Jasus lalandii by microscopic examination of the cuticle, epidermal retraction and setal development in the pleopods. The postmoult condition is characterized by progressive thickening of the setal walls and cuticle through to inter-moult. Premoult commences with apolysis (Stage D₀), followed by setal development (Stage D₁', D₁", D₁'") and culminates with cuticle deposition (Stage D₂), The diagnostic features of the stages are generally similar to those of other decapod crustaceans.     

四种饲料添加剂对中国龙虾生长的影响

本文以人工配合饲料为对照组，4种添加剂为实验组，对中国龙虾进行50d的生长试验，结果表明：复合脱壳素（实验组1^#)效果最佳，其次分别是脱壳素（实验组2^#)、甲壳粉（实验组3^#)、喹乙醇（实验组4^#)和对照组，其增重率分别为：17.08、8.41%、7.62%、5.45%和4.21%；蜕壳率分别为58.33%、50.33%、33.33%、33.33%和33.33%；蜕壳后增重率为29.29%、16.90%、22.85%、16.43%和12.68%；饲料系数分别为7.57、7.11、7.92、11.00和14.21；对照组和实验组4^#存活率为91.67%，其余均为100%。整个试验过程龙虾生长良好。     

Structures of ovary and ovarian follicle in flathead lobster, Thenus orientalis (Lund, 1793) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Scyllarida)

ImeIOWThe nathead lobster, Thenus orientalis, is widely distributed in the trOPical and subtIDPical indO - West Pacific region. T. orientalis is one of the most eCOnondcally significantspecies among scyllarids althoUgh its catch is nowhere large. In addition to its eCOnondc value,T. Orientalis is also of great scientific value because it represents a fdrily wfor reproductivebiology is ~ly studied. It is important to clarify the structures of ovary and Ovarian follicle inT. Orientalis.…     

Notobathynella longipes sp. n. and new records of other Bathynellacea (Crustacea,Syncarida) from New Zealand

This paper deals with Bathynellacea collected by Entomology Division, DSIR, in 1972–73 by pumping water from wells and bores in different parts of New Zealand. Notobathynella longipes sp. n. is described from wells in Motueka (South Island). The distribution of the New Zealand Parabathynellidae is discussed briefly.     

东方扁虾卵巢和滤泡结构的研究

卵巢包括4种形态的组分:(1)卵巢壁,(2)生殖上皮,(3)卵母细胞(早期卵巢还包括卵原细胞)一滤泡细胞层,(4)卵巢壁内突.卵巢壁及壁内突均含有血管、血窦、肌细胞等成分,卵巢壁内突延伸至每个滤泡的外层基膜处.滤泡由内至外由卵母细胞、卵周隙、滤泡细胞及基膜等4部分组成.卵母细胞膜表面向卵周隙内伸出许多微绒毛,并具有许多微吞饮凹.随着滤泡的发育,卵周隙内含物电子密度越来越大,成熟滤泡的卵周隙内含物演变为卵壳.卵壳由两部分构成:外层较薄,而内层较厚且含电子致密的颗粒物质.滤泡细胞一般为单层,具较强的合成活性,其合成产物系卵周隙内含物的一部分.东方扁虾卵巢和滤泡的结构特征表明外源性(卵母细胞外及卵巢外)的卵黄合成在卵黄发生上起重要的作用.     

Comparative reproductive biology of two southwestern Atlantic populations of the hermit crab Pagurus exilis (Crustacea: Anomura: Paguridae)

Pagurus exilis (Benedict, 1892) is an endemic South Atlantic hermit crab with a distribution ranging from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, to Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The present study analyzed the reproduction of two populations at the extremes of this geographical distribution, and compared their reproductive period, fecundity, and changes in egg size and egg volume during the incubation period in order to assess the variability over this latitudinal range. Hermit crabs were collected monthly over a 2‐year period. In total, 108 females were analyzed for Brazil (44 non‐ovigerous and 64 ovigerous), and 141 for Argentina (87 non‐ovigerous and 54 ovigerous). Reproduction in Brazil occurs year‐round, with peaks in the fall and winter seasons; in Argentina reproduction occurs only in spring and summer. The Brazilian ovigerous females were significantly larger than the Argentina ones (Brazil: SL = 5.33 ± 1.45 mm; Argentina: SL = 4.15 ± 0.52 mm; P < 0.001). The fecundity was 1447 ± 831 eggs (317 to 2885) in Brazil and 987 ± 711 eggs (114 to 2665) in Argentina, with a trend towards higher fecundity in Brazil. Eggs in the Argentina population were larger than those in Brazil for all the three stages investigated, and no changes in egg volume were found during egg development for both populations. The reproductive traits of the two populations showed some important differences, which may reflect adaptations to local environmental conditions, demonstrating a high plasticity of reproductive features of the species in Brazilian and Argentine waters. The strategy adopted by the Argentina population involves a lower production of larger eggs compared to the population in Brazil; this lower production is associated with reproduction in cold‐water regions.