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Abstract

The scalloped spiny lobster, Panulirus homarus, is one of the most valuable and highly demanded seafood species. Due to its limited supply from the wild and its high value, commercial aquaculture of this species has gained considerable attention. However, information on the basic water quality requirements is yet to be explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of culture temperature and salinity on the survival of early larval stages of the scalloped spiny lobster, Panulirus homarus. Stage-one larvae were obtained from an egg-bearing broodstock and hatched at a temperature and salinity of 26 °C and 35 ppt. Upon hatching, active larvae (15 per treatment) were collected from the broodstock tanks and placed in the experimental setup. Nine different combinations of temperatures (24, 27, and 30 °C) and salinities (33, 35, and 37 ppt) were examined. Larvae reared in varying temperatures of 24 °C and 27 °C showed a higher survival rate compared to those reared at 30 °C. Survival was highest at 24 °C and 33 ppt, while higher temperature (30 °C) and salinity (37 ppt) showed the shortest survival duration. There was a significant effect of temperature on the survival time. Salinity, to a lesser extent, showed a significant relationship toward the time of survival of the larvae. However, there were no significant interactions of salinity and temperature on the survival time of the larvae. This study suggests that the survival duration of the larvae can be maintained at an optimal rearing water condition of 24 °C temperature and 33 ppt salinity. This research provides important knowledge for farmers and business enterprises to successfully culture P. homarus larvae.

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