Comparison of Methods for Determining Nutritional Condition in Spiny Lobsters

摘要: ABSTRACT Four previously published metrics for determining nutritional condition in decapods were evaluated efficacy, specifically a serum protein index and three hepatopancreas-based indices (dry weight index, percent tissue dry weight, relative weight). Using the Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus (Latreille, 1804) as model, lobsters subjected to 5 wk of controlled diets laboratory-feeding trial. Three four detected significant differences between fed 15% or 100% their daily maximum food intake, but size molt stage significantly influenced several metrics. Dry hepatopancreas performed best, digestive gland was least affected by stage. As both are destructive methods that require dissection lobster, these may not be useful all studies. Hemolymph concentration is nondestructive can assessed rapidly laboratory field, it str...