Caribbean Spiny Lobster
VU

Caribbean Spiny Lobster

Panulirus argus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panulirus_argus

Overview

Panulirus argus, the Caribbean spiny lobster, is a species of spiny lobster that lives on reefs and in mangrove swamps in the western Atlantic Ocean.

The Caribbean Spiny Lobster faces significant pressure from intensive commercial and recreational fishing throughout its range, leading to population declines in many areas. Habitat degradation from coastal development, pollution, and climate change impacts on coral reefs and seagrass beds further threaten this species. Conservation status may vary by region or assessment authority, but overexploitation remains the primary concern across most of its distribution.

Threat summary

Habitat

Inhabits shallow tropical and subtropical marine waters including coral reefs, rocky bottoms, seagrass beds, and mangrove areas from the intertidal zone to depths of approximately 90 meters. Juveniles typically shelter in shallow seagrass beds and algal mats, while adults prefer deeper reef crevices and rocky substrates.

MARINE· major

Threatened in Anguilla

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
CR

Pholidoscelis corvinus

Unknown
queen crabVU

queen crab

Carpilius corallinus

Unknown
West Indian topshellVU

West Indian topshell

Cittarium pica

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Caribbean Spiny Lobster classified as Vulnerable?
Caribbean Spiny Lobster is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Caribbean Spiny Lobster faces significant pressure from intensive commercial and recreational fishing throughout its range, leading to population declines in many areas. Habitat degradation from coastal development, pollution, and climate change impacts on coral reefs and seagrass beds further threaten this species. Conservation status may vary by region or assessment authority, but overexploitation remains the primary concern across most of its distribution.
Where does Caribbean Spiny Lobster live?
Caribbean Spiny Lobster occurs in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, and Belize (plus 38 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Caribbean Spiny Lobster?
The main threats to Caribbean Spiny Lobster are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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