ISSN:
1573-143X
Keywords:
allometric relationships
;
claw morphology
;
dominance
;
European lobster (Homarus gammarus) behaviour
;
lobster cultivation
;
major claw
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract Claw size and dominance in cultivated versus wild European lobsters Homarus gammarus were compared. Normally, lobsters develop a short, high and wide crusher and a slender scissor claw. In culture, both claws often develop into scissor claws. With growth, cultivated males developed one significantly elongated scissor claw (major claw), and one normal scissor claw, compared to wild males (minor claw). The differences increased with size. The wild males had higher claw index than cultured ones, due to the crusher claw. Wild lobsters with higher claw index were dominant. Cultivated males with claw indices at least 200 mm2 higher than the opponent, won. Only scissor claws were broken in the encounters. Even if cultivated lobsters in time develop claws equal to wild lobsters, they might still be less robust. In the light of these findings, we suggest that lobsters cultivated for restocking purposes should be given access to an appropriate substrate allowing them to develop one claw into a crusher during the early benthic stage.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1009225001318
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