Search

[Les naupliosomes et premieres larves phyllosomes de trois especes communes de Palinuridea (Jasus edwardsii, Jasus verreauxi et Ibacus alticrenatus) ont ete eleves en laboratoire a partir de femelles ovigeres captives. Ces larves sont decrites et comparees avec les descriptions anterieures de larves de Jasus. Un tableau est presente, qui permet de reconnaitre les premiers stades des larves phyllosomes de Jasus et de Scyllaridae de Nouvelle-Zelande. Il a ete trouve que la plupart des caracteres presentes par Robertson (1969a) comme diagnostiques pour Jasus et les Scyllaridae sont inapplicables aux especes considerees dans la presente etude., Les naupliosomes et premieres larves phyllosomes de trois especes communes de Palinuridea (Jasus edwardsii, Jasus verreauxi et Ibacus alticrenatus) ont ete eleves en laboratoire a partir de femelles ovigeres captives. Ces larves sont decrites et comparees avec les descriptions anterieures de larves de Jasus. Un tableau est presente, qui permet de reconnaitre les premiers stades des larves phyllosomes de Jasus et de Scyllaridae de Nouvelle-Zelande. Il a ete trouve que la plupart des caracteres presentes par Robertson (1969a) comme diagnostiques pour Jasus et les Scyllaridae sont inapplicables aux especes considerees dans la presente etude.]

Un second specimen de Nupalirus japonicus Kubo, 1955, un mâle de l'ile Maurice, est decrit, figure, et compare au mâle holotype de Justitia longimana var. mauritiana (Miers, 1882). Comme les deux especes ont une carapace a sculpture fortement squamiforme, quatre a sept fines stries ou sillons transverses sur les somites abdominaux 2 a 5, des serrulations dorsales sur les epines supra-orbitaire, et d'autres caracteres communs, elles sont considerees comme congeneriques, malgre une notable difference de taille et de forme du pereiopode I. L'espece de Kubo devient ainsi Justitia japonica (Kubo). Une definition du genre Justitia est donnee pour inclure les deux especes. L'auteur attire l'attention sur un cas de croissance allometrique marquee des pereiopodes II et III chez un grand specimen de Panulirus ornatus (Fabricius); on peut probablement observer des phenomenes similaires chez d'autres especes du genre.

Auf Exkursionen durch die Meeresstrassen von Yucatan und Florida, die dem Zwecke dienten, Phyllosomalarven der Florida Languste Panulirus argus zu sammeln, wurden 31 Phyllosomen einer anderen Art gefunden. Die Besonderheit dieser Larven bestand darin, dass sie einen schnabelformigen Stirnfortsatz und einen quadratischen Vorderkorper besassen, der den mittleren Korperabschnitt uberdeckte. Eine Nachprufung der Literatur ergab, dass sie wahrscheinlich der Art Palinurellus gundlachi Von Martens angehoren. Elf Stadien der Phyllosomalarve werden beschrieben und illustriert.

Summary Fecundity in the New Zealand spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii (Hutton) has been investigated by a detailed examination of 14 selected females “in berry” (i.e. carrying external eggs), ranging in carapace lengths from 9.5 cm to 17.0 cm. The following data were obtained for each specimen: (a) the total weight of eggs carried, (b) the average number of eggs per 1 g sample, and (c) the total number of eggs carried. A positive correlation was noted between the total weight of eggs carried and increase in carapace length. The total weight of eggs carried ranged from 26.9 g in a small specimen of 9.5 cm C.L., to 123.9 g in a large female of 16.0 cm C.L. No relation was found between the average number of eggs per 1 g sample and increase in carapace length. A low count of 3,541 eggs per 1 g sample was recorded, and a high count of 5,005 eggs. A direct relation was noted between the total number of eggs carried by J edwardsii and increase in carapace length. The number of eggs carried ranged from a low figure...

Panulirus echinatus Smith, 1869, ist eine gute Art, die sich von P. guttatus (Latreille) in einer Anzahl konstanter Merkmale unterscheidet. Die Smith'sche Art wurde von Faria & Silva (1937) ausfuhrlich beschrieben und abgebildet unter dem Namen Panulirus guttatus brasiliensis.

Post‐puerulus specimens of Jasus edwardsii (Hutton) have been successfully reared in the laboratory from the puerulus stage for periods of up to 12 months. The spiny lobsters were reared in concret...

Vom Pazifik werden einige spatere Stadien der Phyllosoma-Larven von Justitia longimanus mauritiana und Justitia japonica beschrieben und mit der Art vom Atlantik verglichen.

1. 1. the antennules of Panulirus argus are attenuated structures consisting of three basal segments and two elongate distal rami. 2. 2. The structure of these rami differs. The inner, medial, ramus bears numerous sensory hairs but lacks the characteristic hair tuft of the outer flagellum. 3. 3. This hair tuft is composed of three types of cuticular hair; guard, companion and aesthetasc hairs. Each of these types of hairs in innervated, as revelaed by methylene blue staining. 4. 4. Guard and companion hairs are believed to be at least doubly innervated whilst each aesthetasc hair has a collection of at least 120–150 neurons at the base. 5. 5. The other hairs of the flagellae are innervated and proprioceptors are present along the shaft of the antennule. 6. 6. Electro-physiological experiments indicate that three types of proprioceptors are present in the antennular rami. 7. 7. Gurad and companion hairs and hairs at the articulations all possess double innervation with one unit monitoring proximal and one distal defelxions of the hair. 8. 8. In some cases the sensory units respond with a high-frequency burst of impulses which is distinct from the more common type of tactile receptor. 9. 9. Chemosensory endings are believed to be mainly concentrated in the region of the aesthetasc hairs on the outer ramus. Some indications have been given of the range of specificity and types of response shown by these units. 10. 10. The heteromorph flagellum, resembling the outer antennular flagellum, that regenerates when an eyestalk is removed shows close similarity in form and function to the antennule.

Summary Two species of spiny lobsters (marine crayfish) inhabit New Zealand waters: Jasus edwardsii (Hutton, 1875), and J verreauxi (H. Milne Edwards, 1851). J edwardsii, the more common species, is present along most rocky coastlines in New Zealand, but is more abundant in the south‐west of the South Island and at the Chatham Islands. The species apparently reaches its northern limit of distribution at the Three Kings Islands (34°S) and its southern limit at the Auckland Islands (51°S). J. verreauxi, the less common species, is almost solely restricted in New Zealand waters to the north‐east coast of the North Island. It is uncommon in the west and the south of the North Island, and is rare in the South Island. J. verreauxi apparently reaches its northern limit of distribution at the Kermadec Islands (31°S), and its southern limit near Bluff (47°S) in the South Island.

The threshold level of positive phototaxis and the spectral sensitivity of the newly hatched phyllosoma larvae of the western rock lobster, Panulirus longipes cygnus George have been determined. Larvae swam actively towards a weak white light source (peak wavelength about 510 nm) but the response gradually diminished and disappeared at a threshold level of about 4.4 × 10 −6 μW/cm 2 . In strong light intensities of the same spectral composition a random response occurred when the intensity exceeded about 4.6 mW/cm 2 . Three distinct peaks of sensitivity at about 470 nm, 555 nm and 615 nm, to light of restricted wavelength were evident. It has been estimated that, at threshold intensity in light of 470 nm peak wavelength each ommatidium of the eye receives approximately 235 quanta/sec. These findings suggest that the phyllosoma larvae are extremely well equipped for finding their way to the surface of the sea from great depths and on dark nights in both oceanic (blue) and coastal (green) water. Since these larvae hatch in a coastal environment and are transported into the oceanic circulation during their long planktonic life these properties might have great adaptive significance.

Summary All species of Jasus inhabit continental or island waters of the Southern Ocean. The are six species in the J. lalandii group which contains all but one of the known species of Jasus. Within the J. lalandii group two subgroups, each comprising three species, are recognised. Taxonomic variation is discussed and a key for identification presented. For efficient management, administrators should know the geographic limits of species on which fisheries are based.

Summary Jasus verreauxi (H. Milne Edwards)—known locally as the packhorse crayfish— is the less common of the two New Zealand species of spiny lobster (marine crayfish; J. edwardsii is the other), and is commercially important only in the north‐easlt of North Island. About 80% of the annual J. verreauxi catch is landed in 5 months of the year: November, December, January, February, and March. The fishery is small and unimportant compared with the total New Zealand fishery for both spiny lobster species. During the 5 years of this study (January 1962‐December 1966) the commercial catch of J. verreauxi amounted to only about 0.7% of the total spiny lobster catch during the same period. Limited daita collected by Marine Department suggest that the J. verreauxi fishery showed a downward trend during this period. J. verreauxi and J. edwardsii fisheries are briefly compared and biological differences between the two species are discussed.

Summary Fecundity in Jasus verreauxi (H. Milne Edwards, 1851) has been studied by a detailed investigation of (a) the total weight of eggs carried by female specimens, (b) the average number of eggs per 1 g sample, and (c) the total number of eggs carried by females. In mid October 1966, 217 females “in berry” (that is, carrying external eggs) were examined and measured at Spirits Bay, New Zealand. The fecundity study is based on the results obtained from 21 selected specimens, with carapace lengths from 15.5 cm to 23.5 cm. A direct relation was found between the total weight of eggs carried and increase in carapace length. The total weight of eggs carried varied from about 51 g to 238 g for carapace lengths of 15.5 cm to 23.5 cm. No correlation was shown between the average number of eggs per 1 g sample and increase in carapace length. Considerable variation was noted in the number of eggs per 1 g sample, which ranged from a low count of 6,453 eggs to a high count of 8,341 eggs. The total number of eggs ...

Summary The carapace length and total length size at first maturity in females of Jasus verreauxi (H. Milne Edwards, 1851) has been investigated by a detailed study of (a) the detection of the smallest size class with external eggs, and (b) the incidence of egg‐carrying females per size‐class interval. For the study 834 females were measured and examined at Spirits Bay, New Zealand, during mid October and late December 1966. The specimens ranged in carapace length from 12.0 cm to 23.9 cm, and in total length from 29.0 cm to 56.9 cm. The results of the study show clearly that the females reach first maturity at a carapace length or a total length larger than the present minimum legal size, i.e. a carapace length of 10.2 cm (4.02 in.), or a total length of 25.4 cm (10.0 in.). No mature females were found less than 13.5 cm carapace length, or 32.0 cm total length. First maturity was attained by the majority (50% or more) of the J verreauxi females at a carapace length of 15.3 cm or larger, or at a total leng...

Summary The spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii (Hutton) supports a thriving new fishery at the Chatham Islands, about 770 km east of New Zealand. Commercial fishing for J. edwardsii started in November 1965, and within 2 years the area became a major centre of New Zealand's large spiny lobster fishery, which earned >NZ$5,000,000 in 1967. Over 12 months (September 1966 to August 1967) landings at the Chatham Islands made up 39.8% of the total New Zealand spiny lobster catch of 16,600,0001b. In the first year of fishing 2,177,923 lb of spiny lobsters were caught, and in the second 7,129,658lb—a 227% increase. Fishing effort also increased substantially: average number of boats fishing each month rose by 174% in the second year, and the total number of boat‐fishing days by 152%. Most specimens of J. edwardsii caught are large and mature, typical of a virgin stock.

THE COPPER AND NICKEL CONTENT OF THE BLOOD OF THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MARINE CRAYFISH ( PANULIRUS LONGIPES MILNE EDWARDS) AND OF SEAWEEDS

A physio-chemical study has been made of the hymocyanin from the South Africa crawfish (Jasus lalandii). Electrophoresis of freshly prepared haemocyanin in phosphate buffers gave single boundaries, indicationg a single constituentm, with an iso-electric point at pH = 4.65. The molecular weight by the light-scattering technique gave values between 450,000 and 496,000, which is in accord with values obtained by ultracentrifuge techniques for the common crawfish (Palinurus vulgaris). Though the haemocyanin was electrophoretically homogeneous, diffusion measurements showed some degree of heterogeneity, and this porbably accounts for the variation in molecular weight, the true value of the main component being 450,000. The frictional ration from molecular weight and diffusion measurements was 1.28 and, from viscosity measurement, was 1.31, values which are similar to those for Palinurus vulgaris.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate relationships in the light of morphological and paleontological evidence, and to propose an evolutionary scheme which accounts for the present distribution of extant palinurid species. The spiny lobsters, because of their large size, commercial importance, benthic habits as adults and pelagic habit as larvae, and their wide geographic and vertical distribution, are well suited for a study of evolution in the marine environment. In 1946 Holthuis provided an excellent basic taxonomic revision of the Palinuridae and, sometimes with colleagues, he followed this up with more detailed studies of smaller groups within the family, particularly in the genus Panulirus. But some of the less well known genera inhabiting deeper waters still require revision and for this reason it has been necessary to include some taxonomic discussion in the paper; this has been kept to a minimum and will be reported on more fully in an appropriate publication at a later date. The deficiencies in our knowledge of palinurid systematics and evolution have been realized by Glaessner (1960) who stated (p. 42), "There is still some doubt about homologies and evolution in the Scyllaridea [Palinuridae and Scyllaridae] . . . for which groups more morphological information on recent and fossil forms is required." We have attempted to overcome these deficiencies and to present speciation mechanisms applicable to the marine environment.

Des echantillons importants de Panulirus homarus ont ete obtenus des cotes sud-est d'Afrique et de Madagascar; ils ont ete compares a des echantillons plus reduits provenant de diverses localites a l'interieur de l'aire de distribution, a travers l'ocean Indien et l'ocean Pacifique occidental. Trois formes ont pu etre reconnues d'apres la couleur et les sculptures de l'abdomen: une forme megasculpta meridionale, des cotes sud-est d'Afrique et de Madagascar, une forme megasculpta septentrionale, du nord-ouest de l'ocean Indien et une forme microsculpta, dominante dans l'est et le nord de l'ocean Indien, mais largement dispersee et presente en petit nombre a travers l'ocean Indien occidental et dans le Pacifique occidental. Les affinites possibles entre les trois formes sont discutees et un rang subspecifique a ete attribue a chacune.

Samples of egg-bearing females of P. longipes cygnus (George) were taken from the Abrolhos Islands, Fremantle, and Jurien Bay areas and divided into two groups (viz. "newly spawned" or "late stage") depending on the extent of development which had taken place in the eggs. The number of eggs carried by each individual was then counted. Fecundity is found not to vary significantly (at the 10% level) between the three localities, and so all localities are combined to give pooled estimates of fecundity for newly spawned and late stage eggs. A small amount of egg loss occurs during incubation, but this is not significant at the 10% level. The percentage of infertile eggs is shown to be independent of carapace length. A linear relationship between carapace length and number of eggs produced is found for P. longipes cygnus, and this type of relationship appears to hold for many of the members of the family Palinuridae in contrast to the non-linear relationship found in the Homaridae.