Aggressive behaviour of post-puerulus larvae of the western rock lobster Panulirus longipes (Milne-Edwards)

Abstract

Laboratory observations indicate that post-puerulus larvae of P. longipes are gregarious in sharing a variety of sources of protective cover. However, they are also aggressive in their contacts with each other other, especially when competing for limited space or food, and older post-puerulus stages, with longer antennae, dominate younger stages with shorter antennae. The post-puerulus larvae are also capable of sound production, and emit rasp-like sounds during aggressive encounters. Such rasps appear to characterize intraspecific threat rather than antipredatory displays.