Dataset and code for Shelter preferences of juvenile European lobster: Evaluating the potential of mussel shells as settlement habitat

This dataset is part of the study Shelter preferences of early juvenile European lobster (Homarus gammarus): Evaluating the potential of mussel shell aggregations as settlement habitat.

The study examines shelter-seeking behaviour and habitat selection in early benthic phase (EBP) juvenile lobsters (Homarus gammarus) under controlled laboratory conditions. It focuses on evaluating the potential of mussel shell accumulations (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as alternative settlement habitats in the context of restorative aquaculture and stock enhancement. The experiment compared the functionality of these biogenic structures relative to natural cobble habitats and artificial refuges.

The dataset includes behavioural observations from multiple experimental trials where stage VI juvenile lobsters (7–11.4 mm carapace length) were individually tested in tanks containing three shelter types: mussel shell aggregations, stones, and PVC pipes. Data were collected on shelter selection patterns, transition dynamics, and short-term (2-hour) vs. long-term (overnight) shelter fidelity.

The dataset is available in Excel format (.xlsx) and includes variables such as lobster ID, carapace length, trial number, tank number, substrate type, observation period, time to first interaction, initial and final shelter choice, shelter stability, and initial behaviour upon release.

An accompanying R script (Bayesian_Models_for_Shelter_Choice.R) is included, containing data preparation steps, exploratory analyses, and Bayesian statistical models used in the study.