Population dynamics of juvenile Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, in Florida Bay, Florida
Article
Forcucci, D, Butler Iv, MJ, Hunt, JH. (1994). Population dynamics of juvenile Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, in Florida Bay, Florida
. BULLETIN OF MARINE SCIENCE, 54(3), 805-818.
Forcucci, D, Butler Iv, MJ, Hunt, JH. (1994). Population dynamics of juvenile Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, in Florida Bay, Florida
. BULLETIN OF MARINE SCIENCE, 54(3), 805-818.
Describes growth and population dynamics of juvenile spiny lobsters (12-68 mm carapace length, CL) studied for 14 months using mark-recapture techniques in a hardbottom community. Field estimates of growth were the highest ever reported for this species, averaging 0.95 mm CL.wk-1 (range: 0.35-1.25 mm CL.wk-1 for individuals 20-25 mm CL and 40-45 mm CL, respectively). Lobsters in some areas in Florida Bay can thus reach Florida's legal harvestable size (76 mm CL) 1.5 years after settlement. Slower growth occurred during the winter and among small individuals. Differences in growth among size classes resulted from changes in molt increment, whereas seasonal differences were a result of changes in intermolt interval. Density of juvenile spiny lobsters (<45 mm CL in this prime nursery habitat was 454.ha-1. Mean monthly probability of survival (reflecting actual mortality plus emigration) was 0.51. An average of 131 lobsters entered the population through recruitment and immigration each month. Recruitment of juveniles was significantly correlated with the supply of postlarvae to the region eight months earlier. -from Authors
