Multiple fertilizations and extrusions in female Homarus americanus / S.L. Waddy and D.E. Aiken.: Fs70-8/80-42E-PDF

"It is well known that molting rate decreases with increasing size, so that very large lobsters may only molt once in several years. Since mating usually occurs immediately following molt, it has been assumed that the relatively greater fecundity of a large female is more than offset by the infrequency of spawning. We have now recorded thirteen multiple extrusions in the laboratory from females ranging in carapace length from 118 to 195 mm. From this, we can say that multiple extrusion (two or more spawnings without an intervening molt) is common in large females, occurring in 40-50% of stock held in our facilities, and multiple fertilization (two or more fertilized broods from a single mating) also occurs. These observations indicate that "jumbo" lobsters should not be dismissed as non-productive members of the population until their true reproductive value can be determined."--Abstract.

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