Cape rock lobster (Jasus lalandii) exploitation in the past: estimating carapace length from mandible sizes

Morphometric equations for estimating carapace lengths of Cape rock lobster s (Jasus lalandii) were derived from mandible measurements for the purpose of zooarchaeological reconstructions. A linear regression model was based o n measurements of males, females and both sexes combined, and for left and right mandibles separately. Statistically significant differences were obse rved between male and female regression slopes for left and right mandibles , and also between the slopes of left and right mandibles within each sex. The morphometric equations for males and females combined should be used wh en dealing with archaeological samples. These equations are also potentiall y useful research tools for marine biologists and conservationists involved in monitoring illegal exploitation of Cape rock lobsters.