California Spiny Lobster
Panulirus interruptus
Pronghorn Spiny Lobster
Panulirus penicillatus
About
The pronghorn spiny lobster is a large, spine-covered lobster of tropical reefs, named for the pair of stout horn-like spines on its head. It grows to about 40 cm, though most are closer to 30 cm, with males larger than females.
Also known as: penicillate spiny lobster
- Length
- 30 cm · max 40 cm
- Depth
- up to 200 m
How to tell it apart
Several spiny lobsters share this spiny, pincer-less build. This one is told apart by its plain, unbanded antennae and the pair of larger white spots near the edge of the first abdominal segment.
Appearance
Like other spiny lobsters it has long, spiny antennae and no pincers on its front legs. Colour varies from yellowish-green to rusty brown or bluish-black, with small white spots scattered over the carapace and abdomen and a pair of larger white spots near the edge of the first abdominal segment. The legs are dark green or red with yellow stripes, and a group of four strong spines sits joined together just in front of the carapace.
Habitat
This lobster lives on shallow rocky ground and coral reefs across the tropical Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean, from East Africa and the Red Sea to Japan, Australia, and the eastern Pacific, down to depths of 200 m. It hides in crevices and caves by day, often in groups, then moves out onto surge channels and reef flats at night to feed.
Did you know?
This lobster is often found carrying a stalked barnacle attached to its shell, a small hitchhiker that rides along for the free transport.
Log it in Into the Blue
Describe what you saw and we name it, then keep every species you find in your Oceandex.
