Breeding period and size in the south coast rock lobster, palinurus gilchristi (Decapoda: Palinuridae)

Abstract

The breeding period in female P. gilchristi was determined by integrating periods of higher egg-bearing proportions with the preceding ripening of ovaries. Most ovaries in the central sector ripened in June (c. 75% in Stage 4), followed by spawning in July/August. Most females (all size-classes) bear eggs between July (40, 0%) and November (50, 2%). A significant percentage of females with a carapace length >80 mm also bear eggs in March (50, 5%). Arguments for a single, bimodally distributed breeding cycle as opposed to two spawnings per year for large females are given. The relationship between breeding period and rock lobster size along the coast was examined for a number of years of data. © 1995 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.