Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Molt cycle alterations in behavior, feeding and diel rhythms of a decapod crustacean, the spiny lobster Panulirus argus

  • Published:
Marine Biology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The crustacean molt cycle manifests extensive behavioral changes in addition to physiological and integumentary modifications. The paucity of quantitative studies led us to characterize molt stage dependent alterations in rhythmic locomotor, feeding, and agonistic behavior of subadult spiny lobster Panulirus argus held grouped and solitarily in simulated natural conditions. Non-disruptively determined molt stages were defined as proportions of intermolt duration. Significant nocturnal rhythmicity persisted through the full molt cycle, though daily form varied as a function of activity level and molt stage. A distinct early evening peak signaled initiation of foraging and walking behavior. Thereafter, rhythm amplitude either declined progressively (low activity: unimodal pattern), remained high (high activity: nocturnal plateau), or exhibited a secondary early morning peak (intermediate activity: bimodal and polymodal patterns). Activity ceased at or immediately prior to sunrise. Ecdysis was predominantly nocturnal, probably reflecting species specific spatiotemporal movement patterns and social behavior. A selective advantage of nocturnal ecdysis was postulated concerning avoidance of cannibalism and diurnal predators. Locomotor activity and feeding rates were not equivalent through the molt cycle, though both peaked in stages B2-C1. Locomotor activity remained high in metecdysis, decreased sharply at proecdysis initiation (D0), reaching lowest levels in D1-D3, then increased in D3 through B1. Activity dropped steeply at ecdysis, though lobsters were capable of intense and coordinated activity. Feeding decreased slowly through metecdysis after the B2-C1 maximum, then increased temporarily in C4 and D0, indicating heightened feeding motivation. This contrasts with the locomotor activity decrease at proecdysis. Food consumption declined rapidly in D1 and D2 and ceased at the D2-D3 transition. Feeding resumed in B1 or B2, intensifying to maximum in late B2. Feeding remained relatively constant within stages, whereas locomotor activity varied greatly, though both correlated with metabolic needs. Grouped and solitary lobsters displayed similar patterns of foraging and walking, equivalent to those of locomotor activity and feeding of solitary individuals. Frequency of agonistic interactions (not aggression per se) remained relatively constant through the cycle, peaking in metecdysis, though the highest relative proportion occurred near ecdysis. Lobsters then were submissive and avoided physical contact with conspecifics. Clearly, locomotor activity, feeding, and social behavior of P. argus are not simply determined. Indeed, behavior is distinctly phase coordinated with varying metabolic requirements dependent on the proximity to ecdysis and ecological pressures.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Literature Cited

  • Aiken, D. E.: Proecdysis, setal development, and molt prediction in the American lobster (Homarus americanus). J. Fish. Res. Bd Can. 30, 1337–1344 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Aiken, D. E.: Molting and growth in decapod crustaceans, with particular reference to the lobster Homarus americanus. In: Workshop on lobster and rock lobster ecology and physiology, pp 41–73. Ed. by J. S. Cobb and B. F. Phillips. Melbourne, Australia: CSIRO Circular No. 7 1977

  • Aiken, D. E.: Molting and growth. In: The biology and management of lobsters, Vol. I: Physiology and behavior, pp 91–163. Ed. by J. S. Cobb and B. F. Phillips. New York: Academic Press 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Aiken, D. E. and S. L. Waddy: Reproductive biology. In: The biology and management of lobsters, Vol. I: Physiology and behavior, pp 215–276. Ed. by J. S. Cobb and B. F. Phillips. N. Y.: Academic Press 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Arechiga, H. and A. Huberman: Hormonal modulation of circadian behavior in crustaceans. Front. Hormone Res. 6, 16–34 (1980)

    Google Scholar 

  • Atema, J. and J. S. Cobb: Social behavior. In: The biology and management of lobsters, Vol. I: Physiology and behavior, pp 409–450. Ed. by J. S. Cobb and B. F. Phillips. New York: Academic Press 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Atema, J., S. Jacobson, E. Karnofsky, S. Olesko-Szuts, and L. Stein: Pair formation in the lobster, Homarus americanus: behavioral development, pheromones and mating. Mar. Behav. Physiol. 6, 277–296 (1979)

    Google Scholar 

  • Atkinson, R. J. A. and E. Naylor: An endogenous activity rhythm and the rhythmicity of catches of Nephrops norvegicus (L.). J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 25, 94–108 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chapman, C. J.: Ecology of juvenile and adult Nephrops. In: The biology and management of lobsters, Vol. II: Ecology and management, pp 143–178. Ed. by J. S. Cobb and B. F. Phillips. New York: Academic Press 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Chittleborough, R. G.: Environmental factors affecting growth and survival of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus longipes (Milne-Edwards). Aust. J. mar. Freshwater Res. 26, 177–196 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cobb, J. S. and G. R. Tamm: Dominance status and molt order in lobsters (Homarus americanus). Mar. Behav. Physiol. 3, 119–124 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dall, W. and M. C. Barclay: Induction of viable ecdysis in the western rock lobster by 20-hydroxyecdysone. Gen. comp. Endocrinol. 31, 323–334 (1977)

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, G.: Management recommendations for juvenile spiny lobsters, Panulirus argus in Biscayne National Monument, Florida, 32 pp. National Park Service South Florida Research Center Report M-530 (1978)

  • DeCoursey, P. J. (Ed.): Biological rhythms in the marine environment, 283 pp. Columbia: Univ. of South Carolina Press 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Drach, P.: Mue et cycle d'intermue chez les Crustaces decapodes. Ann. Inst. Ocean, Paris, 19, 103–388 (1939)

    Google Scholar 

  • Elmhirst, R.: On the moulting of the lobster. Proc. R. Physic. Soc., Edinburgh. 20, 271–276 (1923)

    Google Scholar 

  • Elner, R. W.: The influence of temperature, sex and chela size in the foraging strategy of the shore crab, Carcinus maenas (L.). Mar. Behav. Physiol. 7, 15–24 (1980)

    Google Scholar 

  • Elner, R. W. and R. N. Hughes: Energy maximization in the diet of the shore crab, Carcinus maenas. J. Anim. Ecol. 47, 103–116 (1978)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ennis, G. P.: Food, feeding, and condition of lobsters, Homarus americanus, throughout the seasonal cycle in Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland. J. Fish. Res. Bd Can. 30, 1905–1909 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, P. D. and K. H. Mann: Selection of prey by American lobsters (Homarus americanus) when offered a choice between sea urchins and crabs. J. Fish. Res. Bd Can. 34, 2203–2207 (1977)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fielder, D. R.: The spiny lobster, Jasus lalandei (H. Milne Edwards), in South Australia. I. Growth of captive animals. Aust. J. mar. Freshwater Res. 15, 77–92 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fielder, D. R.: The spiny lobster, Jasus lalandei (H. Milne Edwards), in South Australia. III. Food. feeding and locomotor activity. Aust. J. mar. Freshwater Res. 16, 351–367 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Herrick, F. H.: Natural history of the American lobster. bull. U.S. Bur. Fish. 29, 149–408 (1909)

    Google Scholar 

  • Herrnkind, W. F.: Queuing behavior of spiny lobsters. Science, N.Y. 164, 1425–1427 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Herrnkind, W. F.: Spiny lobsters: Patterns of movement. In: The biology and management of lobsters, Vol. I: Physiology and behavior, pp 349–407. Ed. by J. S. Cobb and B. F. Phillips New York: Academic Press 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Herrnkind, W. F., J. Vanderwalker, and L. Barr: Population dynamics, ecology and behavior of spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: Habitation and pattern of movements. Results of the Tektite Program, Vol. 2. Sci. Bull., Nat. Hist. Mus., Los Angeles Cty. 20, 31–34 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hiatt, R. W.: The biology of the lined shore crab, Pachygrapsus crassipes Randall. Pacif. Sci. 2, 135–213 (1948)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hughes, R. N.: Optimal foraging theory in the marine context. Oceanogr. Mar. Biol. Ann. Rev. 18, 423–481 (1980)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kanciruk, P. and W. F. Herrnkind: Preliminary investigations of the daily and seasonal locomotor activity rhythms of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus. Mar. Behav. Physiol. 1, 351–359 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Krekorian, C. O'N., D. C. Sommerville and R. F. Ford: Laboratory study of behavioral interactions between the American lobster, Homarus americanus and the California spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus with comparative observations on the rock crab, Cancer antennarius. Fish. Bull. 72, 1146–1159 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lasker, R.: Feeding, growth, respiration, and carbon utilization of a Euphausiid crustacean. J. Fish. Res. Bd Can. 23, 1291–1317 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Moller, T. H. and E. Naylor: Environmental influence on locomotor activity in Nephrops norvegicus (Crustacea: Decapoda). J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. 60, 103–113 (1980)

    Google Scholar 

  • Morgan, G. R.: Aspects of the population dynamics of the western rock lobster, Panulirus cygnus George. II. Seasonal changes in the catchability coefficient. Aust. J. mar. Freshwater Res. 25, 249–259 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Morgan, G. R.: Locomotor activity in the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus. Aust. J. mar. Freshwater Res. 29, 169–174 (1978)

    Google Scholar 

  • Plamer, J. D.: An introduction to biological rhythms, 375 pp. New York: Academic Press 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Passano, L. M.: Molting and its control. In: The physiology of crustacea, Vol. I: Metabolism and growth, pp 473–536. Ed. by T. H. Waterman. New York: Academic Press 1960

    Google Scholar 

  • Reaka, M. L.: Molting in stomatopod crustaceans. I. Stage of the molt cycle, setagenesis, and morphology. J. Morph. 146, 66–80 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Reaka, M. L.: Lunar and tidal periodicity of molting and reproduction in stomatopod Crustacea: a selfish herd hypothesis. Biol. Bull. mar. biol. Lab., Woods Hole 150, 468–490 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  • Roth, A. C.: Agonistic behavior and its relationship to group density, size differences, and sex in the California spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus, 78 pp. M. S. Thesis, San Diego State Univ., California 1972

    Google Scholar 

  • Saila, S. B., J. H. Annala, J. L. McKoy, and J. D. Booth: Application of yield models to the New Zealand fishery for rock lobster Jasus edwardsii (Hutton). N.Z. J. mar. Freshwater Res. 13, 1–11 (1979)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sastry, A. N. and R. E. Ehinger: Dominance hierarchies among communally held juvenile lobsters, Homarus americanus. Mar. Behav. Physiol. 7, 85–93 (1980)

    Google Scholar 

  • Slater, P. J. B.: Data collection. In: Quantitative ethology, pp 21–22. Ed. by P. W. Colgan. New York: Wiley and Sons 1978

    Google Scholar 

  • Sokal, R. R. and F. J. Rohlf: Biometry, 776 pp. San Francisco: W. H. Freeman and Co. 1969

    Google Scholar 

  • Sokolove, P. G. and W. N. Bushell: The chi square periodogram: Its utility for analysis of circadian rhythms. J. theor. Biol. 72, 131–160 (1978)

    Google Scholar 

  • Stevenson, J. R.: Changing activities of the crustacean epidermis during the molting cycle. Am. Zool. 12, 373–380 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Strong, K. W. and G. R. Daborn: The influence of moulting on the ingestion rate of an isopod crustacean. Oikos 34, 159–162 (1980)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sutcliffe, W. H.: Effects of light intensity on the activity of the Bermuda spiny lobster, Panulirus argus. Ecology 37, 200–201 (1956)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tamm, G. R. and J. S. Cobb: Diel ecdysis rhythms in juvenile lobsters Homarus americanus. J. Fish. Res. Bd Can. 33, 819–821 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tamm, G. R. and J. S. Cobb: Behavior and the crustacean molt cycle: Changes in aggression of Homarus americanus. Science, N.Y. 200, 79–81 (1978)

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, L. R.: Moulting behaviour of the Western Australian crayfish Panulirus cygnus George (Decapoda Reptantia). Crustaceana 11, 111–112 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Travis, D. F.: The molting cycle of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus Latreille. I. Molting and growth in laboratory-maintained individuals. Biol. Bull. mar. biol. Lab., Woods Hole 107, 433–450 (1954)

    Google Scholar 

  • Waterman, T. H. (Ed.): The physiology of Crustacea. Vol. II. Sense organs, integration, and behavior, 681 pp. New York: Academic Press 1961

    Google Scholar 

  • Weiss, H. M.: The diet and feeding behavior of the lobster, Homarus americanus in Long Island Sound, 80 pp. Ph. D. Thesis, Univ. of Connecticut 1970

  • Zeitlin-Hale, L. and A. N. Sastry: Effects of environmental manipulation on the locomotor activity and agonistic behavior of cultured juvenile American lobsters, Homarus americanus. Mar. Biol. 47, 369–379 (1978)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. R. N. Lipcius

    Present address: Biology Department, Florida A&M University, Box 222, 32307, Tallahassee, Florida, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA

    R. N. Lipcius & W. F. Herrnkind

Authors
  1. R. N. Lipcius
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. W. F. Herrnkind
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Communicated by S. K. Pierce, College Park

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lipcius, R.N., Herrnkind, W.F. Molt cycle alterations in behavior, feeding and diel rhythms of a decapod crustacean, the spiny lobster Panulirus argus . Mar. Biol. 68, 241–252 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00409591

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00409591

Keywords

Search

Navigation