New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research abstracts

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Aggregations of ovigerous female rock lobsters, Jasus edwardsii (Decapoda: Palinuridae)

J. L. McKOY

A. LEACHMAN

Fisheries Research Division Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries P. O. Box 297 Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract Dense aggregations of large ovigerous female rock lobsters, Jasus edwardsii, observed by divers at several places around central New Zealand, are described. Such aggregations are typically seen in late winter in areas of strong tidal water movements, and in the absence of suitable shelter they take the form of defensive circles and heaps. We suggest that this behaviour may facilitate rapid dispersal of newly hatched larvae.

Keywords Jasus edwardsii; Palinuridae; rock lobster; behaviour; protective behaviour; reproductive behaviour; social behaviour; migrations

New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 1982, Vol. 16 : 141-146
Received 9 February 1982; accepted 19 April 1982

PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (855K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)

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