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.
Photo of European spiny lobster
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 argus - Caribbean spiny lobster
- Panulirus guttatus - Spotted 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