Experiments in the Sea on Rate of Growth of some Crustacea Decapoda

Abstract

From experiments in the sea with wire cages and boxes with perforated zinc sides and tops more than 100 individuals of certain Crustacea which had grown inside the apparatus have been obtained at various subsequent dates.Minimal mean rates of growth are obtainable from the difference between maximum size at immediate entry and size at a given later date, and the approximate age by an allowance for age at entry plus the maximum time occupiable in the experimental apparatus. It was found that C. maenas spawned early in the year may attain a carapace width of 30 to 40 mm. by the following winter. In experiments extending over twelve months from July to July male C. maenas attained a carapace width of 43 to 53 mm. and females 37 mm. at an estimated maximum age of 15 months.