Size and temperature-dependent variations in intermolt duration and size increment at molt of Northern Shrimp, Pandalus borealis

Growth of Pandalus borealis post-larval stages was measured in relation to size and temperature. Growth characteristics, including intermolt period (IP), molt increment (MI) in size and mass, and tissue allocation in juvenile, male, and female shrimp, were evaluated at 2, 5, and 8°C, the temperature range where this species is generally found in the Northwest Atlantic. Significant variations in growth were associated with temperature and shrimp size. IP (days) increased significantly with shrimp size and was inversely related to temperature. Size (cephalothorax length in mm) and temperature effects were best described by IP = 10(0.67 log(CL) − 0.06 T − 1.34). The pronounced effect of temperature on IP while MIS changed little indicated that the main influence of temperature on growth rate of P. borealis was through IP. Specific growth rate (SGRS) decreased rapidly with size to near zero values in females. Overall, juveniles were much more sensitive to temperature variations than adults, suggesting that temperatures encountered during the juvenile stage will largely influence the growth trajectory of the population. -- Keywords : Molt Cycle ; Size Increment ; Shrimp Population ; Juvenile Shrimp ; Intermolt Period