Caribbean spiny lobster

Long spiny antennae, no large front claws, and paired pale spots on the tail help distinguish this lobster. FAO describes four prominent yellow spots on the second and last abdominal segments.

A hard, spiny carapace and powerful tail fan; body colors are variable and mottled.

1–3 lb.

About 2 ft and 15 lb.

Juveniles and adults eat snails, crabs and clams.

Forages at night and shelters by day. Individuals can migrate together; FAO describes autumn single-file movements.

Found in Puerto Rico. Start in the documented habitat and substrate for this species, then narrow the search using depth, current, structure and food activity. Habitat reference: Sheltered reef, rocky and seagrass habitats; crevices provide daytime cover.

Sheltered reef, rocky and seagrass habitats; crevices provide daytime cover.

Usually shallow, but documented to about 90 m and potentially deeper.

Inspect legal shallow reef/rock/seagrass habitat with excellent visibility and safe diving conditions; depth is limited by diver safety and local rules.

Coastal reefs, rocks and vegetated nursery habitat are relevant; not a freshwater species.

NOAA describes year-round Caribbean spawning. Local closed seasons still apply and cannot be inferred from spawning or seafood-market availability.

Natural feeding activity is nocturnal. This is biology, not confirmation that night collection or diving is allowed.

Choose low-current, high-visibility conditions that allow safe diving and precise handling.

Choose sea state, wind and visibility that let you hold position and handle the fish safely. Avoid treating rough weather as a feeding advantage.

Not caught on hook and line — divers use a tickle stick and net; traps where licensed.

Not caught on hook and line — divers use a tickle stick and net; traps where licensed.

Carry the measuring device required by the local rules. Do not assume a Florida carapace gauge or permitted device is valid in another territory.

Not caught on hook and line — divers use a tickle stick and net; traps where licensed.

Not caught on hook and line — divers use a tickle stick and net; traps where licensed.

Not caught on hook and line — divers use a tickle stick and net; traps where licensed.

Dive ledges, holes and coral heads; measure the carapace before you take it.

Leave uncertain, protected or prohibited catches in their habitat. Do not remove eggs to make an egg-bearing lobster appear harvestable. Check local rules before handling.

Excellent eating — one of the best-tasting catches in the region.

Top-quality table fare: firm, white, mild meat.

Keep legally retained seafood chilled and separate raw seafood from ready-to-eat food. A species-specific cleaning procedure is not established here.

Cooking idea: bake or grill legally obtained portions. Cook seafood to 145°F / 63°C; use a food thermometer.

Sharp body and antenna spines can puncture or cut hands. Use deliberate protective handling.

Rules: Caribbean spiny lobster — federal recreational limits: 3.5 in carapace length minimum; 3 per person per day, not to exceed 10 per vessel per day, whichever is less.. Egg-bearing spiny lobster must be returned unharmed. Other federal harvest and landing restrictions also apply. | Caribbean spiny lobster — Puerto Rico territorial waters: 3.5 in carapace length minimum. Regulation 7949 § 8.15. Undersized lobster must be released immediately; separate rules prohibit egg-bearing lobster and certain gear. | Current NOAA federal Caribbean rules include a 3.5 in carapace-length minimum; 3 per person/day, not to exceed 10 per vessel/day; no spears, hooks or piercing devices; egg-bearing females may not be brought aboard; land whole.

Protect shelters and nursery vegetation. Carrying eggs and spawning are biological facts; retention decisions require local legal verification.