4. Discussion
4.1. Growth and survival
In the present study, phyllosoma in the LD treatment were larger
and more advanced in regard to instar compared to HD phyllosoma.
This is consistent with previous findings of reduced growth and survival
of Jasus edwardsii phyllosoma at densities above 40 l−1 (Smith and
Ritar, 2006). This study noted that excessive clumping of phyllosoma
in high density cultures could impair their ability to actively capture
prey and reduce feed intake (Smith and Ritar, 2006). This is due to
phyllosoma in high density cultures becoming entangled, causing physical
damage to limbs. The reduced size and development of phyllosoma
in the HD treatment may have resulted from reduced feeding success
and higher energy expenditure caused by increased interaction between
phyllosoma, which may affect their ability to survive and successfully
complete metamorphosis (Jensen et al., 2013). This is
consistent with previous observations of increased development time