Effect of Solitude on Time Between Fourth and Fifth Larval Molts in the American Lobster (Homarus americanus)

Abstract

Larvae held individually in containers spent an average of 12 days in the fourth stage. When held two larvae per container, one molted after an average of 12 days, the second after an average of 16 days. Duration of the fourth stage was not affected by gravel, shelter or bare bottom conditions, or illumination varying from <1 lux to 310 lux.