Behavioral interactions of postlarval and fifth instar lobsters (Homarus americanus) in a simulated cobble environment

Behavioral interactions among newly settled postlarval and fifth instar lob sters in a simulated cobble environment were quantified. Seven behavioral c ategories were identified and the proportion of time spent in each was eval uated. Transition matrices for three general behavior categories were evalu ated for the postlarval and fifth instar. Postlarval and fifth instar lobst ers displayed different behavioral patterns. Postlarvae spent a large propo rtion of time walking on the sand substrate and excavating shelters, wherea s fifth instar lobsters spent the majority of time excavating and sitting i n shelters. Agonistic interactions between early benthic stage lobsters wer e similar to those described for older juvenile and adult lobsters. Dominan ce hierarchies, burrow invasion and eviction of subdominant individuals wer e observed in both the postlarval and fifth instar.