LOBSTER REPRODUCTION - A REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to summarize and update the reader on th e topic of lobster reproduction. Recent work on the American clawed lo bster, Homarus americanus, has found that males are capable of multipl e inseminations. Intermolt females may augment stored sperm with inter molt inseminations. Intermolt insemination may account for added fecun dity in a normal population. Both photoperiod and temperature interact to regulate female yolk biosynthesis. Extraovarian yolk synthesis in clawed lobsters has been demonstrated by the measurement of yolk prote ins in the hemolymph. The complete chemical characterization of both m olt inhibiting hormone and vitellogenesis inhibiting hormone has been accomplished. Multiple field studies of tropical spiny lobsters were a ccomplished in the last five years. The occurrence of multiple broods (2-5) per season per lobster have been documented in several cases. Th e effects of photoperiod and temperature variations on reproductive be havior of spiny lobsters was reported. Yolk biosynthesis in both hepat opancreas and ovary of tropical spiny lobsters was demonstrated.