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The complete mitochondrial genome of Scyllarides squammosus was first determined and characterized. With a length of 15,644 bp, it consists of 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and 1 control region. The nucleotide composition is significantly biased with AT contents of 65.6%. Among these PCGs, five of them used an unusual initiation codon, and nine genes ended with an incomplete or abnormal stop codon. Two microsatellites were identified and located in COX3 gene and D-loop region. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that S. squammosus was first clustered with Scyllarides latus, which was consistent with the previous work.

Crustaceans exhibit diverse movement behaviors, which can complicate sustainable management if poorly understood. Annual and long-term movement patterns by hawaiian spiny lobster, Panulirus marginatus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1825), and scaly slipper lobster, Scyllarides squammosus (H. Milne-Edwards, 1837), at four locations in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) were estimated by using tag/recapture methods. Both species exhibited very limited movement, moving 5 km, there was no evidence of regular long-distance migrations or directed movements. Sex and location significantly affected distance moved by both species; however, there was no clear pattern. Size-at-tagging was a significant factor for S. squammosus, for which distances moved varied directly with increasing size; however, this is not necessarily indicative of large-scale unidirectional movements and may simply indicate that larger S. squammosus have larger home ranges. The lack of large-scale movements of both species probably reflects habitat characteristics. The NWHI do not provide the typical habitats juvenile lobsters require, there are no large seasonal temperature changes, and contranatant migrations are unnecessary because newly hatched larvae have access to offshore currents. The small home ranges of these species suggest that marine protected areas may be a viable conservation option.

Scyllarides squammosus (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) Stage VI (NHMUK 2015.3279) Measurements (Fig. 2 A). TL = 11.7 mm; CW = 6.3 mm; CL = 9.0 mm. Cephalic shield (Fig. 2 A). Spindle-shaped, longer than wide (CL/CW = 1.42), maximum width located to mid length. Antennule (Fig. 2 B). Peduncle 3-segmented, each segment with similar length. Distal segment biflagellated, accesory flagellum half the length of primary flagellum. Primary flagellum with 7 rows of aesthetascs on inner margin. Antenna (Fig. 2 B). Biramous, endopod 2-segmented. The inner ramus reaching the anterior end of first antennular segment. Maxillule (Fig. 2 C). Uniramous, palp (endopod) absent. Coxal endite with 4 setae (three strong terminal cuspidate setae). Basal endite with 4 setae (three long strong terminal cuspidate setae). Maxilla (Fig. 2 D). Rudimentary bud with small elongation at distal end. Triangular shape. Endites, endopod and scaphognathite not differentiated. First maxilliped (Fig. 2 D). Undeveloped, present as small conical protuberance. Third maxilliped (Fig. 2 A). Uniramous. Five segmented (ischio-merus fused to basis). Without ventral coxal spine. Pereiopods (Fig. 2 A). Biramous, without coxal or subexopodal spines. Exopods of pereiopods 1���4 flagellated distally with ~12���14 annulations, each annulation bears a pair of plumose natatory setae. Pereiopod 5 underdeveloped, small single segment with conical shape. Distal end nearly reaching the telson. Pleon (Fig. 2 E). Unsegmented. Pleopods or uropods absent. Stage VII (NHMUK 2015.3280) Measurements (Fig. 3 A). TL = 14.9 mm; CW = 8.2 mm; CL = 12.0 mm. Cephalic shield (Fig. 3 A). Pear-shaped, longer than wide (CL/CW = 1.46), maximum width located to mid length. Antennule (Fig. 3 B). Primary flagellum with 8 rows of aesthetascs on inner margin. Antenna (Fig. 3 B). Longer than first antennular segment. Endopod 2-segmented, reaching the middle of the second antennular segment. Exopod retracts and widens, becoming triangular-shaped. Maxillula (Fig. 3 C). Coxal endite with 6 setae, 4 located in apical position and 2 in basal position. Basal endite with 6 setae (3 terminal, elongated, with strong structure and serrated laterally). Maxilla (Fig. 3 D). Small tapered elongation becomes less evident, reduced in length. Triangular shape. First maxilliped (Fig. 3 D). Unchanged. Third maxilliped (Fig. 3 A). Unchanged. Pereiopods (Fig. 3 E). Exopods of pereiopods 1���4 distally flagellated with 15���17 annulations. Pereiopod 5 underdeveloped, with conical base at thorax. Distal end reaches beyond telson. Pleon (Fig. 3 E). Pleon non-segmented, uropods present as small uniramous buds. Telson more developed, longer than previous stage. Stage VIII (NHMUK 2015.3 281) Measurements (Fig. 4 A). TL = 19.5 mm; CW = 10.6 mm; CL = 15.5 mm. Cephalic shield (Fig. 4 A). Pear-shaped, longer than wide (CL/CW = 1.46), maximum width located to mid length. Antennule (Fig. 4 B). Accessary flagellum reaches middle length of primary flagellum. Primary flagellum with 8���9 rows of aesthetascs on inner margin. Antenna (Fig. 4 B). Reaches proximal end of third antennular segment. Endopod now 3-segmented. Significant increase in length of second segment. Triangular outer ramus becomes shorter and stouter. Maxillule (Fig. 4 C). Coxal endite with 6 setae, 4 located at distal portion and 2 located in basal position. Basal endite with 7 setae (3 terminal, elongated). Maxilla (Fig. 4 D). Still underdeveloped, but wider than in previous stages. First maxilliped (Fig. 4 D). Present as a minute protuberance. Diameter of conical base significantly larger than previous stages. Pereiopods (Fig. 4 E). Exopods of pereiopods 1���4 distally flagellated with 16���18 annulations. Pereiopod 5 now 2-segmented, and reaching beyond telson. Pleon (Fig. 4 E). Somite divisions incomplete. Uropods are biramous. Stage IX (NHMUK 2015.3282) Measurements (Fig. 5 A). TL = 23.6 mm; CW = 13.8 mm; CL = 19.0 mm. Cephalic shield (Fig. 5 A). Pear-shaped, longer than wide (CL/CW = 1.37). Slightly narrower than thorax. Antennule (Fig. 5 B). Primary flagellum with 9���10 rows of aesthetascs on inner margin. Antenna (Fig. 5 B). Exceeds second antennular segment. Four segments remain but the exopod now reduced to small tip. Maxillule (Fig. 5 C). Coxal endite with 7 setae (3 longer setae in distal portion). Basal endite with 9 setae (3 terminal, long and serrated). Maxilla (Fig. 5 D). Similar to previous stages, but scaphognathite acquires rudimentary rectangular shape. First maxilliped (Fig. 5 D). Adopting more tubular form with length significantly larger than previous stages. Pereiopods (Fig. 5 A, E). Exopods of pereiopods 1���4 distally flagellated. Pereiopod 5 now 3-segmented and reaching beyond telson. Pleon (Fig. 5 E). Divisions of somites becomes evident. Pleopods present, underdeveloped and biramous. Uropods biramous, length of internal lobe half than outer lobe. Telson unchanged. Stage X (NHMUK 2015.3283) Measurements (Fig. 6 A). TL = 31.0 mm; CW = 18.5 mm; CL = 24.0 mm. Cephalic shield (Fig. 6 A). Pear-shaped, longer than wide (CL/CW = 1.29), but relatively wider than previous stages. Antennule (Fig. 6 B). Accessory flagellum longer than half length of primary flagellum. Primary flagellum with 10���12 rows of aesthetascs on inner margin. Antenna (Fig. 6 B). Five-segmented and reaching beyond third antennular segment. Second antennal segment develops a lateral extension (lateral process) while first segment becomes cylindrical. Maxillule (Fig. 6 C). Coxal endite with 13 setae. Basal endite with 9 setae (3 long, strong and serrated). Maxilla. (Fig. 6 D). Scaphognathite slightly differentiated, without setae, flattened and reduced in size. First maxilliped (Fig. 6 D). Like previous stage. Second maxilliped (Fig. 6 A). Five-segmented, with rudimentary and unarmed minute exopod bud present. Third maxilliped (Fig. 6 A, F). Uniramous. Five segmented (ischio-merus fused to basis). Without ventral coxal spine. Distal part of propodus and dactylus densely setose. Pereiopods (Fig. 6 E, G). Pereiopods 1���4 biramous, without coxal or subexopodal spines. Exopods of pereiopods 1���4 flagellated distally with 17���19 annulations, each annulation bears a pair of plumose natatory setae. Pereiopod 5 with four-segmented endopod, without setae. Distal end reaches beyond telson. Pleon (Fig. 6 E). Five-segmented (five somites plus telson, somite 1 not differentiated). Pleonites 2���5 with a pair of biramous pleopods, unsegmented and unarmed. Uropods biramous and incipiently segmented, but not outreaching posterior margin of telson. Telson rounded posteriorly, without processes or teeth. Stage XI (NHMUK 2015.3284) Measurements (Fig. 7A). TL = 39.0 mm; CW = 23.1 mm; CL = 29.0 mm. Cephalic shield (Fig. 7A). Pear-shaped, longer than wide (CL/CW = 1.26), maximum width located to mid length. Antennule (Fig. 7B). Primary flagellum with 12���14 rows of aesthetascs on inner margin. Antenna (Fig. 7B). Almost equal in length to antennule. Lateral expansion on the second segment widens while segment 4 gets narrower. Maxillule (Fig. 7C). Coxal endite with 14 setae (2 terminal setae considerably longer and stronger). Basal endite with 9 setae (3 long, strong and serrated). Maxilla (Fig. 7D). Similar to previous stage, but scaphognathite more differentiated, without setae, flattened and slightly expanded anteriorly and posteriorly. First maxilliped (Fig. 7D). Further developed. Pereiopods (Fig. 7E). Biramous, without coxal or subexopodal spines. Exopods of pereiopods 1���4 flagellated distally with>18 annulations, each annulation bears a pair of plumose natatory setae. Pereiopod 5 with 5 segments present, segment 2 with rudimentary exopod. Pleon (Fig. 7E, F). Segmented, with six pleonites plus telson. Pleonites 2���5 with a pair of biramous and unsegmented pleopods each, without appendix interna. Presence of two dorsal spines on pleonites 3���4. Biramous uropods outreaching posterior margin of telson. Stage XII (NHMUK 2015.3285) Measurements (Fig. 8 A). TL = 51.0 mm; CW = 26.5 mm; CL = 36.0 mm Cephalic shield (Fig. 8 A). Pear-shaped, longer than wide (CL/CW = 1.35), but proportionally longer than previous stage. Antennule (Fig. 8 B). Accessory flagellum extended, equal in length to primary flagellum. Primary flagellum with 13���15 rows of aesthetascs on inner margin. Antenna (Fig. 8 B). Longer than antennule. Segments fully developed. Lateral expansion on second segment directed anteriorly (more developed than previous stage). Last antennal segment leaf-shaped. Maxillule (Fig. 8 C). Coxal endite with 14 setae (2 terminal setae considerably longer and stronger). Basal endite with 11 setae (3 long, strong and serrated). Maxilla (Fig. 8 D). Fully developed, scaphognathite considerably expanded anteriorly and posteriorly. Endopod becomes triangular. First maxilliped (Fig. 8 D). Fully developed and markedly biramous. Second maxilliped (Fig. 8 A). Exopod bud elongated. Third maxilliped (Fig. 8 A). Gill buds present, with one pleurobranch, one arthrobranch and epipod with podobranch. Pereiopods (Fig. 8 E). Pereiopod 1 with one pleurobranch, one arthrobranch and epipod with podobranch. Pereiopods 2���4 with two pleurobranchs, one arthrobranch and epipod with podobranch. Pereiopod 5 with one pleurobranch. Pereiopod 5 now 6-segmented. Basis with exopod bud and ischium and merus are fused. Pleon (Fig. 8 E, F). Fully segmented with 4 pairs of segmented pleopods. Posterolateral margin of the pleura of somites 2, 3, 4 and 6 ended with acute spine. Dorsally, somites 4 and 5 bear a strong median spine. Pleopods biramous, segmented and without setae, endopod with appendix interna. Biramous uropods outreaching posterior margin of telson. Morphometric analyses showed that total length of the larvae follows an exponential growth in late stages of development (see Table 2). The ratio of cephalic width over the total length increased during phyllosoma development up to a maximum value of CW/TL = 0.61 at around 30 mm TL (see Fig. 9) and then decreased again in the sub-final and final stages (CW/ TL = 0.43 + 0.011 TL���0.00018 TL2; r2 = 0.999). The relative growth of CL and CW during larval development in phyllosoma larvae assigned to Scyllarides squammosus was found to follow a power law equation (CW = 0.84 CL0.96), with a high correlation coefficient (r2 = 0.996). However, the confidence interval for the exponent parameter comprised the value b = 1 (0.91���1.01), which indicates that the growth of CW does not show a significantly allometric pattern. Stage = Stage of development; N = Sample size; Range = range of lengths per stage; Mean = Average total length per stage. Total length (TL) measured from the anterior margin of the cephalic shield between the eyes to the posterior margin of the telson., Published as part of Palero, Ferran, Genis-Armero, Rebeca, Hall, Michael R. & Clark, Paul F., 2016, DNA barcoding the phyllosoma of Scyllarides squammosus (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) (Decapoda: Achelata: Scyllaridae), pp. 481-498 in Zootaxa 4139 (4) on pages 487-495, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4139.4.2, http://zenodo.org/record/264222

Scyllarides has the largest number of species with commercial importance within the Scyllaridae family. As for other achelate lobsters, however, little is known of the unique long-lived planktonic phyllosoma stages of any of these tropical and temperate species. Recently, a large and diverse collection of Scyllaridae phyllosoma, compiled from cruises along the Coral Sea and spanning several years, has been analysed. Molecular evidence from DNA-barcoding and phylogenetic analyses is provided here on the identity of S. squammosus phyllosoma larvae, including stages that were previously undescribed or poorly known. As a consequence, the growth and morphological changes that occur during the mid- to late-stages of S. squammosus larval development is now well-documented. Furthermore, an additional collection of S. squammosus larvae, described by Alain Michel and thought to be no longer extant, were discovered in the crustacean collection of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris. This new molecular and morphological information is complemented by a review of the literature. As a result, descriptions of key larval characters by a number of authors were evaluated and appear to suggest the existence of distinct groups of larvae within Scyllarides. From a combination of adult and larval morphology, and molecular data, the results presented here revealed inconsistencies with regard to the affinities of species assigned to Scyllarides. This new evidence will contribute to future studies addressing the phylogenetic relationships within the genus.

Proximate composition, bulk tissue and amino acid compound-specific nitrogen isotopic analyses (CSIA) were used to determine whether dietary differences were responsible for the spatial variability in growth of spiny lobster and slipper lobster in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Abdominal tissues were collected and analyzed from both species at Necker Island and Maro Reef from 2006 to 2008. Protein and lipid levels did not differ significantly between locations in either species. Bulk tissue 15N of both species was significantly negatively correlated with growth for both species; however, the analysis assumed constant isotopic composition of autotrophs across this region. CSIA, which accounts for 15N variability at the base of the food web, indicated that spiny lobsters at both locations occupied the same trophic position whereas the slower-growing Maro Reef slipper lobsters fed at a lower trophic position relative to Necker Island slipper lobsters. Spatial variability in the abundance or diversity of preferred prey items appears to be responsible for the spatial variability in growth and the specific morphology and behavior of these species dictated how they coped with dietary restraints. These findings increase the understanding of NWHI coral reef ecosystem processes as well as highlight dangers of using consumer bulk tissue isotopic data without considering variation in the nitrogen isotopic composition at the base of the food web.

Scaly slipper lobster (Scyllarides squammosus) population ecology was examined using tag/recapture information at Necker Island (23°30′N; 164°35′W), Gardner Pinnacles (25°00′N; 168°50′W), Maro Reef (25°30′N; 170°45′W), and Laysan Island (25°48′N; 171°45′W) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) USA from 2002 to 2008. Although many aspects of S. squammosus life history and population dynamics were similar to those of other scyllarids, somatic growth differed from its congers. Scyllarides squammosus growth abruptly declined at maturity and, because of this, growth at length was better described using the Schnute as opposed to the more commonly von Bertalanffy growth model. Growth varied among locations, and survival varied among years; thereby being the first documentation of variability in the life history of a scyllarid. This study has expanded knowledge of scyllarid biology and documented that spatiotemporal variability in biological characteristics must be considered to understand and describe the population ecology of this species and probably of other scyllarids.

The first stage phyllosoma of Parribacus caledonicus, Scyllarides squammosus and Arctides regalis hatched in aquaria from berried females are described and illustrated. The three phyllosomata are very similar but they can be distinguished by three characters: total length, ratio of total length to third pereiopod length and the setation and spination on the second maxilla. A summary is provided of those morphological characters of the first phyllosomata attributed to these genera in the literature.

The body size-specific fecundity of Scyllarides squammosus is described based on the numbers of eggs carried externally on the pleopods of “berried” (ovigerous) females collected during June 1999, at Maro Reef, located mid-chain in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Fecundity was positively and nonlinearly related to “tail” (abdomen) width (TW); fecundity ranged from 53,807 to 227,489 eggs in 43 females spanning 52–77-mm TW. The smallest berried female encountered at Maro Reef in 1999 was larger than the smallest berried female observed during most previous years' (1986–97) lobster research cruises. Fecundity of the median-sized (60-mm TW) female caught at Maro Reef in 1999 by the NWHI commercial lobster trap fishery was an estimated 89,660 ± 3,980 (SE) eggs. Brooded eggs averaged 0.67 ± 0.006-mm diameter (range: 0.61–0.77 mm), equivalent to 0.17 and 0.13–0.24 mg, respectively. Egg size was unrelated to female body size. Fecundity and egg size estimates and their body size relationships ar...

The original figures of Scyllaridae by Lesueur and manuscript descriptions and notes by Péron, made during the 1800-1804 French Expedition to Australia, are now kept in the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle du Havre, and shed new light on the identity, type locality and whereabouts of these species. The figures and part of the descriptive material are reproduced here.

Numerous lobsters and sea cicadas (palinuridea) are present in the reef-lagoon complex of New Caledonia. Some species of the genus scyllarus, which have never been recorded to date, undergo their entire larval development in the lagoon. This strategy is possible due to short development and adaptation to the hydrodynamics of the lagoon. In contrast, long-lived larval species (genera panulirus, parribacus, scyllarides and some species of scyllarus) develop in the ocean. In order to limit or avoid a passage in the lagoon, the phyllosomes rise to the surface when they hatch, which positions them in a layer of water which, thanks to the trade winds, drifts rapidly towards the passes then towards the open sea. Porcelain lobsters (panulirus ornatus) whose adults live in fringing zones, would perform a reproductive migration towards the passes so that the phyllosomes are directly released in the oceanic zone. To return to the lagoon, the panulirus ornatus pueruli and p. Longipes femoristriga as well as scyllarides squammosus nistos cross the barrier reef in the surge and then join the lagoon recruitment sites. These sites have been characterized for all common species., De nombreuses langoustes et cigales de mer (palinuridea) sont présentes dans le complexe récifo-lagonaire de Nouvelle-Calédonie. Certaines espèces du genre scyllarus, qui n'ont jamais été signalées à ce jour, effectuent la totalité de leur développement larvaire dans le lagon. Cette stratégie est possible en raison d'un développement court et d'une adaptation à l'hydrodynamisme du lagon. En revanche, les espèces à longue vie larvaire (genres panulirus, parribacus, scyllarides et certaines espèces de scyllarus) effectuent leur développement dans l'océan. Afin de limiter ou d'éviter un passage dans le lagon, les phyllosomes remontent à la surface à l'éclosion ce qui les positionne dans une couche d'eau qui, grâce aux alizés, dérive rapidement vers les passes puis vers le large. Les langoustes porcelaines (panulirus ornatus) dont les adultes vivent en zone frangeante, effectueraient une migration génésique vers les passes afin que les phyllosomes soient directement libérés en zone océanique. Pour retourner dans le lagon, les puerulus de panulirus ornatus et p. Longipes femoristriga ainsi que les nistos de scyllarides squammosus traversent le récif barrière dans le déferlement puis rejoignent les sites de recrutement lagonaires. Ces sites ont été caractérises pour l'ensemble des espèces communes.

The original figures of Scyllaridae by Lesueur and manuscript descriptions and notes by Péron, made during the 1800-1804 French Expedition to Australia, are now kept in the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle du Havre, and shed new light on the identity, type locality and whereabouts of these species. The figures and part of the descriptive material are reproduced here.

1. In Parribacus antarcticus and Scyllarus martensii mitotic division of germinal epithelial cells produces primary spermatocytesy whereas in Scyllarides squammosus this function of the germinal epithelium is limited to comparatively few large, oocytelike cells. 2. Metamorphosing spermatids in all three species are expelled from the sacculi of the testis by the rhythmical activity of their germinal epithelium. This probably accounts also for the clumping of the spermatozoa in the collecting tubule; each clump represents the extended contents of a single sacculus. 3. In Scyllarus martensii and Scyllarides squammosus a continuous, cord-like, encapsulated spermatogenic mass traverses the vasa deferentia, whereas in Parribacus antarcticus the spermatogenic mass separates into distinct ampullae which become encapsulated and are further provided with an enveloping sheath. This sheath between adjacent ampullae becomes ribbon-like, twists, and ultimately forms short, doubly twisted peduncles. 4. A secretion of the typhlosole in all three species surrounds the completed spermatophores and forms the homogeneous matrix. 5. Although these three species are anatomically similar, the spermatophores of Scyllarus martensii and Scyllarides squammosus resemble non-pedunculate spermatophores of the palinurids, the astacids, the homarids, and the nephropsids, whereas those of Parribacus antarcticus more nearly resemble the pedunculate spermatophores of certain pagurids. 6. Spermatophoric evidence above does not justify the inference that Parribacus antarcticus occupies a systematic position intermediate between the Macrura and the Anomura.