Breeding and hatchery technology development of spiny lobsters and crabs - a review

Though maturation and breeding of spiny lobsters have been successful under captivity, prolonged larval phase of \nspiny lobsters has been the major constraint for seed production. Protracted larval phase ofthe spiny lobster poses several problems. In India, larvae of Panulirus homarus were reared upto the 7th stage in 60 days. Partial success has been achieved in the larval culture of P. polyphagus and P. ornatus also. However, morc information on the appropriate food for different larval stages, the feeding behaviour and optimum water quality requirements for faster \nmoulting and growth of the larvae is required for successful development of lobster hatchery technology.