divepix - Spotted Spiny Lobster

Spotted Spiny Lobster

Aspect:	Dark brown to black carapace with purple shades, entirely covered with numerous small white dots, except for the end of the legs that are bright orange with darker longitudinal stripes. The tail has the same bright orange colour, but its edge is adorned with a darker line.
Population:	Common, especially at night, unlike Caribbean Spiny Lobster (q.v.), which can often be seen during day time as well. The two main antennae are dark green.
Notable feature:	It is the second largest lobster in this region after the Caribbean Spiny Lobster.
Environment:	Lives around rocks and coral boulders that offer sheltering caves, which it enters backwards. When in danger, it also swims away backwards by violently kicking its fully fanned out tail forwards.
Behaviour:	Wary, but can be approached slowly.