Physiological and transcriptomic analysis across the life-cycle of the ornate spiny lobster, Panulirus ornatus, for sustainable aquaculture production ...

• Main Author: Lewis, Courtney
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland 2023
• Subjects: Panulirus ornatus; transcriptomics; embryogenesis; moult cycle; nutritional condition; hepatopancreas; Cytochrome P450s; Fisheries sciences; Antarc*; Antarctic; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.25907/00802; https://research.usc.edu.au/esploro/outputs/doctoral/99982893202621

Spiny lobsters are a key economical resource, forming the basis for major fisheries in both tropical and temperate zones. Following on from the ever-increasing demand for spiny lobsters resulting in fully exploited fisheries, sustainable aquaculture is the way forward to meet the high commercial demand for the ornate spiny lobster, Panulirus ornatus. This tropical species is a prime candidate for aquaculture due to its high market value in addition to its short larval phase. Recently, at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), the life-cycle for this species was closed, providing the unique opportunity to study P. ornatus across the various morphology distinct life stages. The complex life-cycle of this species poses a significant challenge to the success of closed life-cycle culturing, and overcoming this has been a major focus for research in recent years. This research aims to contribute to this effort through combining physiological and molecular approaches to characterise the molecular ... : Beginning with embryo development, a comprehensive transcriptome was established, encompassing 11 stages across P. ornatus embryogenesis. Key genes associated with development were characterised in addition to the development of hatch prediction models based on visual parameters to bring characterisation to the embryo development of this species. This provides a basis for defining a staging system for P. ornatus embryos and other lobster species. Following on from successful embryo and larviculture tools at IMAS, the focus turned to juvenile rearing. The challenges facing this life stage largely surround the moulting and nutrition. ...