RATE OF GROWTH OF THE AMERICAN LOBSTER. 24! 



It is apparent through other observations that the effects of 

 strong lights and, as shown by Emmel, 1 the mutilation of ap- 

 pendages, exert an influence detrimental to the development of 

 the lobster in the early stages. Excessive sunlight in cases 

 where the lobsters were exposed superficially in the water, ap- 

 pears to cause not only a marked increase in the duration of the 

 stage-periods, but also a diminution in the percentage of increase 

 in length at molts ; and furthermore, a generally less healthy 

 condition in the lobsters themselves. This may be brought 

 about either directly, by inhibiting the body processes and gen- 

 eral metabolism, or indirectly, by favoring the excessive growth 

 of diatoms, algae and protozoa which, under certain conditions, 

 may accumulate on the body and appendages, to such an extent 

 as to prevent nearly all activity. It is also observable in this 

 connection, that food supply may play an important role in de- 

 termining the size of the young lobster. 



1 V. E. EMMEL; "The Regeneration of Lost Parts in the Lobster," The Thirty - 

 Fifth Annual Report of the Rhode Island Commission of Inland Fisheries, 



