Observations on the moulting behaviour of the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus)


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Authors

  • E V Radhakrishnan Madras Research Centre of CMFRI, Chennai - 600 006, India
  • M Vijayakumaran Madras Research Centre of CMFRI, Chennai - 600 006, India

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.

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Author Biographies

  • E V Radhakrishnan, Madras Research Centre of CMFRI, Chennai - 600 006, India
    Madras Research Centre of CMFRI, Chennai - 600 006, India
  • M Vijayakumaran, Madras Research Centre of CMFRI, Chennai - 600 006, India
    Madras Research Centre of CMFRI, Chennai - 600 006, India

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Submitted

2011-08-10

Published

2017-03-31

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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