Complete development of phyllosomas was accomplished in Palinurus elep
has, Panulirus japonicus, Jasus edwardsii and J. verreauxi. Larval dev
elopment differs between species in duration and moult frequency as we
ll as morphology. The highest percent survival was obtained during the
phyllosoma stage for J. verreauxi. Phyllosomas of Il elephas were the
most difficult to culture regardless of the fact that they hatch at a
relatively advanced stage. Culture experiments were carried out to im
prove the percent survival of P. elephas. First instars of I? elephas
exhibited vigorous predation upon the larvae of Japanese sandfish Arct
oscopus japonicus. Duration of the first instar was shorter at 12.8 da
ys when reared at 18 degrees C and percent survival was approximately
30%. Better results were obtained for first instars cultured in water
inoculated with Chaetoceros sp. and fed enriched Artemia nauplii. Phyl
losomas of J. edwardsii and P. japonicus were cultured without particu
lar difficulty. Most distinguishing features of It elephas is the heav
ily setose six or seven long spines on the distal edges of the scaphog
nathite of the second maxillae while only four long spines are found i
n other species. These facts suggest that phyllosomas of Il elephas ar
e initially plankton feeders and from first instar become rapacious pr
edators.