Growth and Mortality of Captive Caribbean Spiny Lobsters, Panulirus argus, in Florida, USA

A series of experiments rearing the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) was conducted to improve the growth and survival rates of laboratory-reared lobsters for subsequent experimentation. Seventeen groups of animals consisting of 25 to 63 pueruli were collected with modified Ross Witham collectors over five years in the Florida Keys. Groups of lobsters were raised communally for up to four years in 4000-liter aquaria and maintained at temperatures equivalent to local natural conditions. On average, both male and female lobsters grew to 76.2 mm CL, the minimum harvest size in Florida, in 1.2 years. The maximum size obtained in the laboratory after four years was 165 mm CL for males and 143 mm CL for females. Growth was best described by a seasonalized von Bertalanffy growth equation. Mortality in the laboratory was principally attributable to three factors: the pathogenic virus PaV1, poor nutrition, and overcrowding. During initial growth trials, viral infections were highly contagious and resulted in 98% mortality of juvenile lobsters. In subsequent growth trials, viral transmission and mortality from viral infection was nearly eliminated by recirculating aquaria water through an 18-W ultraviolet light sterilizer. Death associated with poor nutrition and overcrowding usually occurred during ecdysis and often resulted in cannibalism of postmolt individuals by conspecifics. These sources of mortality were reduced by supplementing the diet with live mollusks and crustaceans once per week and by reducing lobster density as size increased. These experiments identified several sources of mortality in the laboratory and improved protocols for rearing lobsters for subsequent experimentation and research.