Abstract

DIAZ-IGLESIAS, Eugenio et al. Temperature preference and circadian oxygen consumption of the red spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus (Randall, 1842). Cienc. mar [online]. 2004, vol.30, n.1b, pp.169-178. ISSN 0185-3880.

The temperature preference of the red spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus, measured during a 24-h cycle, was characterized by two selected temperatures, one during the light phase (median = 13.3 ± 0.33°C) and another during the dark phase (median = 15.5 ± 0.54°C). Both temperatures preferred by the lobsters were significantly different (P < 0.001). The oxygen consumption of the organisms had a bimodal expression, with a median rate of 22.5 mg O₂ kg wb^-1 h^-1 during the day and of 29.4 mg O₂ kg wb^-1 h^-1 during the night. The respiratory rate of the lobsters during the light and dark phases was significantly different (P < 0.0024). The respiratory metabolism was higher during the afternoon and night due to the nomadic movements and food searching activity that the lobsters carry out in their natural habitat.

Keywords : temperature preferences; oxygen consumption; experimental research; red spiny lobster; Panulirus interruptus.

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