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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Spiny lobster

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

Encountering a Spiny lobster at night is often a memorable diving moment. Hidden in a crevice during the day, it ventures onto rocky seabeds after sunset. Its long antennae sweep the darkness as it searches for shellfish, sea urchins or animal debris.

Habitat de Spiny lobster Habitat
Wreck, Rocky habitat, Coralligenous habitat
Profondeur de Spiny lobster Depth
10-150 m
Groupe biologique de Spiny lobster Group
Crustacean
Rôle écologique de Spiny lobster Role
Apex predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The Spiny lobster is a crustacean with a robust body protected by a thick, spiny shell. It has no large claws like the European lobster, but highly developed long antennae that dominate its outline.Its colouring varies from reddish brown to purplish, sometimes with paler patterns on the abdomen. The eyes are carried on short stalks and the front of the body bears strong protective spines.The rear of the body ends in a tail fan consisting of several plates, used for rapid movement when escaping.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It mainly lives on rocky seabeds, where it finds refuge in cracks, crevices or beneath boulders.It occurs in the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic, generally from a few metres down to several tens of metres deep, sometimes deeper depending on the area.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The Spiny lobster is omnivorous with carnivorous tendencies. It mainly feeds on small invertebrates such as molluscs, crustaceans or echinoderms.It may also consume organic debris and act as a scavenger in the ecosystem.

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Other species — Crustacean

European lobster Spiny Spider Crab Hermit crab Anemone Spider Crab Common Hermit Crab Sponge Crab Narwal Shrimp Banded Squat Lobster

Same habitat and depth

Wreck species Rocky seabed species Coralligenous habitat species

Same ecological role and depth

Apex predator species

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