The ecology and feeding habits of the American lobster (Homarus Americanus (Milne-Edwards, 1837)) in Newfoundland

Reddin, David. (1973) The ecology and feeding habits of the American lobster (Homarus Americanus (Milne-Edwards, 1837)) in Newfoundland. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The feeding habits, energy intake, and prey preferences of Homarus americanus were examined in the laboratory. Preference was determined by placing various animals in tanks with lobsters. This confirmed that sea urchins, crabs, mussels and periwinkles are readily eaten by lobsters. Feeding was observed at night using an infrared light and the feeding actions were described. The caloric intake of four lobsters maintained for one year, two at 15ﾟC, were measured. It varied directly with fluctuations in the water temperature. It was learned that a sea urchins ability to grip its substrate depends directly on the sea water temperature. Thus as lobster food they are more easily acquired during the colder winter months. -- A distribution study considered both food and bottom type. It indicated a direct correlation between landings and distribution of lobsters; and between lobsters, bottom type and food.

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