Lobsters are a diverse group of crustaceans belonging to the family Homaridae, with around 12 recognized species. Among them, the American lobster (*Panulirus argus*), Japanese lobster (*Panulirus japonicus*), and Chinese lobster (*Panulirus stimpsonii*) are some of the most commonly known. The largest lobsters can reach up to 55 cm in length, while Japanese lobsters tend to be smaller. These creatures are not only delicious and rich in nutrients but also visually striking, often regarded as the "king of the sea." Lobsters are omnivorous, feeding on shellfish, small fish, algae, and other marine organisms. They prefer to hide in reef crevices, becoming active at night to forage, and have a long life cycle that can span several years. Spawning typically occurs between April and July, and they are known to reproduce multiple times during their lifetime.
In terms of breeding, lobster larvae undergo metamorphosis within 11 days after hatching, with a survival rate of about 50%. As they transition to benthic life, the survival rate increases to 70%. Larvae are usually fed mussels until the third instar stage, while adult lobsters are fed starting from the fourth instar. Approximately 60% of 5-year-old females carry eggs. Mating behavior typically occurs between newly molted females and unmolted males. During this time, the lower edge of the chest pedicle darkens, and the intersegmental membrane swells, indicating the approaching molt. The molting process takes about 27 minutes, and if disturbed, it may pause but can continue successfully. After molting, the female is soft and vulnerable, making it an ideal time for mating, which lasts 15–60 minutes.
Larval incubation generally begins in May or June. Fertilized eggs change color from brown to black and become transparent red before hatching. Dead eggs remain opaque. Incubation lasts 10–20 days, depending on environmental conditions. Newly hatched larvae float near the surface, often collected in gutters by water currents. Female lobsters ovulate within 20 hours of mating, and spawning takes about 30 minutes. Eggs are attached to the female’s egg bristles and hatch after three weeks. Unfertilized eggs fall off within three days. Water temperature plays a crucial role, with 28°C being optimal. Too high or too low temperatures can lead to poor hatching rates and deformities.
Newly hatched lobsters start as red larvae, gradually turning transparent and developing flat, frond-like structures. They possess only two black eyes and appear almost invisible in the water. Their bodies are soft and lack calcified structures, requiring three molts over six months to reach adulthood. Larvae are reared in 20°C seawater, fed Artemia nauplii, and progress through various stages before metamorphosis. After 20 days, they begin to develop pigmentation, longer antennae, and bristles on their tail fans. Proper nutrition, including vitamins, is essential for their survival.
Water current management is vital in larval rearing. Excessive gas can cause bubbles between the head and thorax, leading to mortality. As lobsters grow, they tend to sink, and strong currents can hinder their movement and respiration. Feeding practices vary; Artemia nauplii are ideal for early stages, while later-stage larvae require more food. Live brine shrimp provides the highest survival rate, around 50%, compared to frozen or non-living baits. While phytoplankton isn’t directly necessary, green algae can improve water quality and enhance survival.
After metamorphosis, larvae transition to benthic life, digging nests in sand and gravel. They remain hidden unless feeding briefly. In captivity, they thrive in pools with oyster shells, achieving an 80% survival rate. Growth is influenced by diet, environment, and water quality. Lobsters raised on purple mussels show faster growth, and feeding strategies like electrical stimulation or chemical treatments can boost growth by up to 100%. Post-molt, lobsters increase their food intake significantly.
Survival rates vary by age group, with younger lobsters having slightly lower rates, but older groups (1–3 years) achieve over 80%. Group rearing works well for young lobsters, while adults should be isolated to reduce stress. Feeding is done once daily, preferably in the afternoon, with 5–12% of body weight provided. Maintaining clean water is essential to prevent contamination. Hybrid breeding efforts in Japan have shown promising results, with larger offspring produced through crossbreeding. Future advancements in feed formulation could further improve lobster farming efficiency.
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