Survival and growth of early phyllosoma stages of Panulirus homarus under different salinity regimes

The survival and growth of phyllosoma larvae of the spiny lobster, Panulirus homarus were studied by exposing them to salinity regimes of 25, 27, 29, 30 (ambient), 31, 33 and 35 psu. Survival was low below 30 psu. Larvae in salinity range of 25 to 29 psu survived for 15 to 25 days whereas maximum survival of 55 to 60 days was obtained in salinities 31 and 33 psu. Growth represented as attainment of larval stages was proportional to longevity in the salinity range of 27 to 35 psu whereas it was retarded at 25 psu. The phyllosoma did not grow beyond stage II in 25 psu, even though it survived up to 15 days. The larvae reared in 31 and 33 psu salinity could reach Vb stage in 55 to 60 days.