Creature Feature for November

Spiny Lobster


Description: The California Spiny Lobster is a beautiful rust color and has long antennae. It has numerous forward-directing spines on its back. These lobsters can grow up to 20 pounds and can live to be 100 years old! California Spiny lobsters lack the claws that most other lobsters have.


Defense: Although California Spiny Lobsters lack the large claws, they do have large antennae that they use for defense. They also have sharp spines on their backs and in a dangerous situation, they use their tail to propel themselves backwards.


Where they are Found: California Spiny Lobsters can be found from the tip of the Baja California Peninsula to Monterey, California. They can often be found hiding in rocks and caves.


Feeding: These lobsters are nocturnal and can be found at night eating clams, mussels, sea urchins, snails, kelp, worms, scallops and small fish.



WOW!!! This species of lobster lacks the large claws that Maine Lobsters have. Instead they have large sharp spines covering their bodies for protection.