Open AccessDiagnostic Procedures for Diseases Found in Egg, Larval, and Juvenile Cultured American Lobsters (Homarus americanus)
Author(s) -
Fisher W. S.,
Nilson E. H.,
Shleser R. A.
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
proceedings of the annual meeting ‐ world mariculture society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.655
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1749-7345
pISSN - 0164-0399
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-7345.1975.tb00028.x
Subject(s) - homarus , biology , juvenile , larva , moulting , zoology , shrimp , cannibalism , fishery , prawn , american lobster , crustacean , ecology
The ability to detect infection or disease is a key element in mariculture. Routine examination of dead and sick animals is required to achieve this objective. Such a procedure is practiced in the lobster (Homarus americanus) culture program at Bodega Marine Laboratory, Bodega Bay, California. Techniques and observations are presented to demonstrate problems encountered in semi‐closed recirculating seawater systems. Examination procedures lead to early detection and possible prevention of epizootics. Some infections or infestations may initially be detected without the aid of a microscope. Microscopic examination of eggs and larvae allows detection of filamentous epibionts and the fungus Lagenidium sp. Larvae are also examined for molt‐related difficulties, cannibalism, and air embolism. Internal bacterial infections are rarely encountered in larval or juvenile stages, yet are included in the examination. Juvenile lobsters are examined for epibionts that might cause gill occlusion or molting difficulties and for the fungal disease agent Haliphthoros milfordensis. Internal organs are examined for signs of chemical toxicity and bacterial degradation. Similar techniques have been used for cultured shrimp and crab populations under study.