Florida Lobster Information

The  Florida lobster, Panulirus argus, aka spiny lobster or caribbean lobster, can grow to about 24 in length. The Florida lobster lacks the large claws of their Maine lobster. Its only defense against predators are the spines that cover its shell. The Florida lobster uses a second pair of antennae in sensory perception, which are found folded along side the body when not in use. These lobsters have a striped body, brown-gray in color with yellow spots on the segmented tail. They have compound eyes and can detect orientation, form, light, and color. If startled, lobsters will kick their large tails rapidly to swim away backwards to safety.

The Florida lobster inhabits the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. It feeds on sea urchins, worms, and crustaceans. It is the prey of moray eels and nurse sharks.

The Florida lobster is a popular delicacy in the restaurants of Florida and the Caribbean. It is also a popular target of sports divers who descend on South Florida and the Florida Keys for the two day short season at the end of July. It is one of the most enjoyable activities of south Florida sport diving - and one that yields a tasty reward!