Observations on the moulting behaviour of the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus)
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Abstract
The moulting process of the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus in the laboratorywas observed and described. In this speceis, a lobster approaching ecdysis canbe identified, almost 48 hours before, by the presence of a longitudinaldecalcified resorptive line along the branchiostegites. Under normalconditions, the lobster completes ecdysis within 8-10 hours after the initiationof the moulting process. The active phase of ecdysis is completed within 3-4 minutes. Initially, the lobster withdraws the thorax gradually from the oldexoskeleton and finally sheds the abdominal part of it by strong flapping ofthe tail. The lobster moulting on a rough substratum completes ecdysis inthe upright position, whereas those moulting on a soft substratum rolls on toone side while withdrawing the walking legs. The newly moulted lobsterregains mobility within a few seconds and avoids contact with other lobstersuntil the new exoskeleton is sufficiently hardened.Downloads
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Submitted
2011-08-10
Published
2017-03-31
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The copyright of the articles published in Indian Journal of Fisheries vests with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, who has the right to enter into any agreement with any organization in India or abroad engaged in reprography, photocopying, storage and dissemination of information contained in these journals. The Council has no objection in using the material, provided the information is being utilized for academic purpose but not for commercial use. Due credit line should be given to the ICAR where information will be utilized.How to Cite
Radhakrishnan, E. V., & Vijayakumaran, M. (2017). Observations on the moulting behaviour of the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus). Indian Journal of Fisheries, 45(3), 331-338. https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/IJF/article/view/8721