Reproduction in the spiny lobster Panulirus polyphagus (Herbst)

Breeding in Panulirus polyphagus , as evidenced by the high percentage of impregnated and ovigerous females, was throughout the year. Size at which 50% of the females matured was 175 mm. Majority of the females matured at 205 mm and the males at 265 mm. A mature ovary showed 4 batches of ova in different stages of development. Impregnated females showed 3-5 peaks and the ovigerous ones 3-4 peaks in a year; the release of the embryonated eggs from the pleopods appeared to be in batches. These findings support the view that spawning and recruiting took place repeatedly in this species. Though spawning was throughout the year, the major spawning was in January and September and the minor in March and June. A female became ovigerous a month or two after impregnation, and the eggs took 2-3 months for incubation and hatching. Female preponderance was marginal during most of the months and in most of the years.