What Kind of Organism Is the Spiny Lobster?

Identification

• There are two striking characteristics of spiny lobsters that set them apart from other lobster varieties. The first are the claws, which are very small compared to lobsters like the Maine lobster. Secondly, spiny lobsters have large antennae that are armored and used for intimidation. Other defense mechanisms include a powerful tail and spines along the carapace. Spiny lobster adults weigh between 1 and 20 lbs., though most range between 1 and 5 lbs. They have a rust-colored body that includes red, orange, yellow, green and blue markings when molting.

Exoskeleton

• Like all crustaceans, spiny lobsters are protected by a hard exoskeleton. This is covered in spines for added protection, which gives the animal its name. These spines make up for the smaller claw size attributed to spiny lobsters. The exoskeleton is shed through a molting process as the spiny lobster grows. When molting, the exoskeleton splits at the segment where the main body meets the tail. The lobster crawls out so expertly, the exoskeleton left behind can sometimes be mistaken for a live animal.

Warm- and Cold-Water Lobsters

• Spiny lobsters have a wide geographical dispersion. Some are considered warm- water lobsters. These are found in the western Atlantic, from North Carolina to Brazil. Those found elsewhere in the world are typically considered cold-water lobsters. These spiny lobsters are found off the coast of Africa, Australia and China. Some of the tropical waters off these same continents are also home to warm-water varieties.

Food

• Spiny lobsters are fished worldwide as the demand is high. In 2000 the California lobster season yielded 951,518 lbs. Another important spiny lobster fishery is located in Cuba. This Caribbean spiny lobster fishery is one of the most successful in the world. Spiny lobsters have a sweet, tender meat that can be grilled, deep fried, steamed and boiled.