| Family: |
Palinuridae (spiny lobsters) |
| Max. size: |
40 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthic; marine; depth range 0 - 120 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: restricted to Western Australia. |
| Diagnosis: |
|
| Biology: |
It has lengths of 40 cm, total body length; 14 cm, minimum carapace length; 8 and 10 cm, average carapace length; 9 to 11 cm, carapace length of ovigerous females or those with spermatophores (Ref. 4). The Western Australian Rock Lobster Fishery of this species has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (http://www.msc.org/) as well-managed and sustainable (http://www.msc.org/html/content_1277.htm). Occurs at depths between 0 and 90 m, rarely as deep as 120 m. The species are nocturnal and shelter in the daytime in rock crevices and among coral. They are omnivorous. They undertake limited migrations (Ref. 4). Juveniles spend 5 to 6 years in shallow-water reef areas, then moves offshore. They return from nocturnal foraging to the same den or one nearby, implying knowledge of topography (Ref. 106918). Phyllosomata of this species is observed to hitch and feed on its host salp Thetys vagina (Ref. 108806). Feeds on the coralline alga Corallina cuvieri (Ref. 122156). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
(LC); Date assessed: 03 December 2009 Ref. 123251)
|
| Threat to humans: |
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| Country info: |
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