What Divers Should Know About Spiny Lobster

Peering into the crevices of rocks and coral reefs, you might spot the tell-tale long, spiny antennae of a Spiny Lobster. These fascinating crustaceans, also known as langustas or rock lobsters, are easily identified by their very long, thick, spiny antennae and the distinct absence of large claws on their first four pairs of walking legs. Typically nocturnal, they spend daylight hours tucked away, often in social groups, only venturing out at night to forage for snails, clams, and sea urchins.

While superficially resembling true lobsters, Spiny Lobsters are not closely related. Their most prominent feature is the lack of prominent chelae on their first four pairs of walking legs; only females of most species possess a small claw on their fifth leg pair. Found in almost all warm seas, including the Caribbean and Mediterranean, these crustaceans sometimes undertake remarkable migrations, forming long files of over 50 individuals across the sea floor. They can also deter predators with a loud screech made by rubbing their antennae against their exoskeleton.