Home > Invertebrates > Lobsters > Panulirus penicillatus

Updated 7/28/2019

Family Palinuridae

Spiny lobsters lack enlarged claws and are well-protected by sharp forward-pointing spines.  Large species are no longer common due to heavy fishing pressure and disregard for local laws.  Minimum carapace length is 3.25 inches.  Illegal to harvest from May through August, spearing and taking of females with eggs prohibited.

http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/regulated_fish_mia.html

 

INDO-PACIFIC

Panulirus penicillatus

Frigate Point, Midway Atoll, 30 feet

 

Mala Wharf, Maui, 20 feet

TUFTED or GREEN SPINY LOBSTER    'ULA

A large, thick-bodied species inhabiting shallow reefs exposed to surge.  Bluish green with an orange-brown tail.  Legs are striped with blue and white.  Attains 16 inches.  Hawaii, Indo-Pacific & Tropical Eastern Pacific.