A novel method of collecting fecal samples from spiny lobsters

A novel method is described for collecting feces from the spiny lobster Panulirus ornatus. Established methods for the collection of feces from crustacean species are not effective with P. ornatus. The feces produced by adults and juveniles of this species are not in a form that can be easily recovered by traditional methods. To overcome this problem, a plastic flange was glued onto the integument, around the anal pore. A small latex balloon was placed over the flange and provided a watertight collection vessel for voided feces. The flange was made from the modified cap from a 2 ml Eppendorf vial. Fixing the flange and changing the balloon after feeding was achieved without the use of anaesthetics and appears not to impose undue stress on the lobsters and they continued to feed. The method was successfully used to collect uncontaminated fecal samples from lobsters ranging from 150 to 800 g. This method may have wider application for other crustacean species.