Reproductive Dynamics of the Spiny Lobster Panulirus argus in South Florida

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Abstract
The reproductive biology of the spiny lobster Panulirus argus was studied in two Gulf of Mexico habitats and three Atlantic Ocean habitats in the lower Florida Keys during July 1975‐August 1976. The minimum size of reproductive maturity, expressed by carapace length (CL), was 70 mm; none of 1,208 females smaller than 70 mm CL was ovigerous, and only 11 (< 1%) possessed spermatophores. Reproductive activity was greatest among females in the 80–85 mm size class. Reproduction occurred during April‐September, but was most prevalent in May and June. Active reproduction was restricted to the Atlantic reef habitats; none of 792 mature Gulf females was reproductively active whereas 21% of 1,235 mature Atlantic females was ovigerous or spermatophoric. Sex ratios varied with season and habitat; females were more prevalent in those seasons and habitats most closely associated with reproductive activity. Legally protected females (<76.2 mm CL) contributed only 14% of the annual egg production. The most productive size class consisted of females newly recruited to the fishery (75–85 mm CL); these females contributed about half (48%) of the total annual egg production. Thus, the reproductive potential of this lower Florida Keys spiny lobster population may not be protected adequately by the current minimum legal size limit. This assessment of the reproductive dynamics of P. argus in Florida suggests that a new minimum size limit of 85 mm CL should be adopted.

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