The experimental culture of phyllosoma larvae of southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) in a flow-through system

A system for the experimental larval rearing of phyllosoma of southern rock lobster (Jasus rd,edwardsii) is described. Sea water filtered to 1 mum. heated to 18 degreesC and disinfected with ultraviolet light, passes into circular 35-1 vessels via a series of jets to achieve constant circular flow. Water exits through a screened drain fitted to the wall of the vessel and positioned to maintain a volume of 10 l with a turnover of 3-4 times h(-1). Phyllosoma were cultured in this system from hatch to Stage XI when Fed ongrown Artemia and pieces of mussel (Mytilus edulis). The system may readily and cheaply be replicated for experimental comparisons of several treatments. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.