Food, Feeding Behaviour, Growth and Neuroendocrine Control of Moulting and Reproduction

This chapter encapsulates information on food, feeding behaviour, moulting, growth and neuroendocrine regulation of moulting and reproduction in lobsters. A lot of research has been carried out worldwide on growth and the processes controlling it in lobsters, mostly on homarid and palinurid lobsters. This chapter, through a review of documented research, describes the moult cycle in lobsters, which is similar to that of other crustaceans, and the process of growth that occurs with moulting. It also discusses differences in growth rates with age, sex and varying external factors, including food. The feeding behaviour in lobsters is also discussed. The relationship between growth, moulting and reproduction and the internal factors that regulate these processes are also dealt with. A detailed account of neuroendocrine hormones and mechanisms that play an important role in the lobster physiology is presented. An insight into the aspects presented here will help in developing rearing protocols for commercially important cultivable lobsters.