Previous Animal
Florida Spiny Lobster
Panulirus argus
Coastal Crawlers
Also known as the Caribbean spiny lobster, the Florida spiny lobster is a crustacean that can grow up to 1.5 feet and weigh 15 pounds. Their name comes from the spines that cover their bodies and help protect them from predators. Unlike American lobsters, they lack large front claws.
Characterized by a reddish-brown shell, Florida spiny lobsters can let each other know they’re around with sounds produced by rubbing their long antennae together. They are nocturnal feeders and hide in crevices during the day. As they grow, they molt or shed their hard exoskeleton, during which they are more vulnerable to predators.
Habitat
Coastal bays, estuaries, and coral reefs
Diet
Plankton (larvae); snails, crabs, clams, and sometimes decaying animals (juveniles and adults)
Predators
Groupers, snappers, sharks, skates, sea turtles, and octopuses
Conservation Status
Data deficient — There is inadequate information available to assess extinction risk
Phylum
Arthropoda
Meet the Neighbors
These large crustaceans share their habitat with an array of fish and are located across from the burrowing garden eel.
Garden Eel
This unique species constructs burrows on the seafloor, using mucus from its body to cement sand grains together.
Ready to Visit?
Get acquainted with animals that make their home under rock pilings and bridges in coastal Florida.