European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Palinurus elephas
- Common name
- European spiny lobster
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Palinuridae
- Size
- 20–50 cm
- Depth
- 5–200 m
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky, reef
- Behaviours
- nocturnal, solitary, carnivore
- Ocean zones
- Mediterranean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia
Description
Migrates in single-file columns at the start of winter. Heavily fished, it has become rare in many parts of its range and is increasingly protected.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the European spiny lobster?
- European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas) reaches 20–50 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the European spiny lobster?
- European spiny lobster is found between 5–200 m deep.
- Is the European spiny lobster dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the European spiny lobster?
- IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
- Where can you find the European spiny lobster?
- Found in: Mediterranean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia.
Other species in the family Palinuridae
- Panulirus guttatus - Spotted spiny lobster
- Panulirus argus - Caribbean spiny lobster
- Panulirus interruptus - California Spiny Lobster
- Panulirus penicillatus - Painted Spiny Lobster
- Panulirus versicolor - Painted Spiny Lobster
- Panulirus ornatus - Ornate Spiny Lobster
Sources
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia