Crustacean
Red lobster
Palinurus elephas
(VIIf) Bristol Channel, (VIII) Bay of Biscay
Zones de pêche
Wild
Origine
11 cm (Lcéphalothorax)
Taille minimale
Description
The red spiny lobster is a large decapod crustacean with a sturdy carapace covered in numerous tubercles and spines. It has a domed carapace, ranging in color from red to brownish-purple with lighter mottling, two very long antennae that extend well beyond the body, an elongated body, and legs without claws—except for the female, which has a small claw on the fifth pair for handling eggs.
Habitat
It is a benthic species that inhabits rocky bottoms, cliffs, faults, caves, and crevices, which serve as shelters. It is generally found at depths of 10 to 70 meters, but it can be found between 5 and 200 meters. Juveniles occupy shallower areas, often in Posidonia seagrass beds.
Distribution
It is found in the northeastern Atlantic, from Scotland to the Canary Islands, and in the western Mediterranean.