California Spiny Lobster

Aquarium Inhabitant Bio

Panulirus interruptu

Description

They can be identified by their hard, bumpy exoskeleton and appear in a range of colors from nearly-white to dark red-orange. They have two long antennae that they use for defense, two smaller antennules they use to feel around. Fully grown adult spiny lobsters can reach about two feet (60 cm) in length and can weigh up to 15 pounds.

Habitat and distribution

Often found with surfgrass, eelgrass, and many types of seaweed including large brown kelps and coralline algae. Found from Monterey Bay, California to Magdalena Bay, Baja California

Diet

Diet consists mostly of snails, clams, crabs, and urchins.

Fun Fact

Females can carry up to 680,000 eggs!