Lobsters are a diverse group of crustaceans, with approximately 12 species recognized. Among them, the American lobster (*Panulirus argus*), Japanese lobster (*Panulirus japonicus*), and Chinese lobster (*Panulirus stimpsoni*) are the most commonly known. The largest lobsters, such as the Fairview lobster, can grow up to 55 cm in length, while the Japanese lobster is generally smaller. These creatures are not only delicious and nutritious but also display vibrant colors, earning them the title of "king of shrimp." Lobsters are omnivorous, feeding on shellfish, small fish, marine plants, and other small organisms. They typically hide in reef crevices, becoming active at night to forage. Their life cycle can span several years, and they spawn from April to July annually, making them a multiple spawner.
In lobster farming, the early stages of development are critical. After hatching, lobster larvae undergo metamorphosis within 11 days, with a survival rate of about 50%. Once they settle on the seabed, their survival rate increases to 70%. During this time, they are fed mussels until the third instar stage, and then switch to larger prey like lobsters at the fourth instar. About 60% of 5-year-old females carry eggs, showing the importance of proper care during breeding.
Lobster mating behavior occurs when freshly molted females meet unshelled males. Physical signs, such as darkening of the chest pedicle and swelling of the intersegmental membrane, indicate an impending molt. During molting, the lobster’s carapace splits open, and it emerges from its old shell after about 27 minutes. If disturbed, the process can be paused, but once completed, the lobster regains full functionality, including any lost appendages.
After molting, females remain soft for several hours before males mate with them, typically for 15–60 minutes. As the new shell hardens, mating becomes more difficult. Female lobsters begin ovulating within 20 hours of mating, and each spawning event lasts around 30 minutes. Eggs are attached to the female’s swimmerets and hatch after three weeks. Unfertilized eggs fall off within three days. Optimal water temperature for spawning is around 28°C; too high or too low temperatures can lead to poor hatching rates and deformities.
Larval incubation begins in May and June. Fertilized eggs turn black and become transparent red before hatching. Dead eggs remain opaque. Incubation lasts 10–20 days, depending on conditions. Newly hatched larvae float near the surface, and by the second day, they gather in gutters, where they are collected for further rearing.
The first-stage larvae are red, developing into transparent, flat forms with only black eyes visible. They lack calcified bones and must molt three times over six months to reach adulthood. Larvae are reared in 20°C seawater, fed Artemia nauplii, and progress through several stages before metamorphosis. Proper nutrition, including vitamins, is essential for survival.
During larval rearing, gas flow must be carefully controlled to avoid damaging the delicate larvae. Strong currents can cause them to sink and accumulate organic matter, impairing respiration. Feeding practices vary: Artemia nauplii are ideal for early stages, while later stages require larger food sources like Chlorella or marine yeast. Live brine shrimp yields the highest survival rate, around 50%.
Post-metamorphic larvae (Stage IV) transition from planktonic to benthic life. They dig nests in sandy substrates and remain hidden unless feeding. In captivity, survival rates can reach 80% when provided with suitable shelters like oyster shells. However, stocking Stage IV larvae can lead to high mortality if they are not fully adapted to benthic life.
In the wild, lobsters prefer muddy seabeds, often hiding in holes. During mating, they may share crevices. Japanese lobsters tend to live in groups. Feeding during breeding is crucial, and experiments have shown that natural baits like clams and small fish improve growth and survival.
Water temperature plays a key role in lobster growth. They thrive between 20°C and 23°C, with slower growth at lower temperatures. Salinity levels between 26.90‰ and 34.40‰ are optimal, though they can tolerate lower salinity for short periods. Substrate composition affects their ability to burrow, with fine sand being ideal for early stages.
Growth rates depend on food availability, environment, and molting cycles. Lobsters raised on purple mussels show faster maturation, and artificial feeds like frozen fish and shellfish can support healthy development. Feeding frequency and timing are important—once daily, preferably in the afternoon, with adjustments based on activity levels.
Survival rates vary by age group, with younger lobsters having slightly lower survival than older ones. Group rearing is possible for young lobsters, but isolation is recommended after the second year to reduce stress and improve feeding efficiency.
Hybridization studies in Japan have produced promising results, with crossbreeds growing faster and larger than their parent species. This biotechnology could revolutionize lobster farming, enabling the production of larger, more robust individuals in future generations.
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