Caribbean Spiny Lobster
Panulirus argus
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.
44
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panulirus_argus
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Malacostraca
Order
Decapoda
Family
Palinuridae
Genus
Panulirus
Caribbean Spiny Lobster belongs to the family Palinuridae, order Decapoda, within the Malacostraca class.
Species Profile
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.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
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.
Threats
Coral reef and seagrass bed destruction
Habitat degradation from coastal development
Overfishing and overexploitation
Climate change impacts on marine ecosystems
Marine pollution and water quality decline
Found in 44 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/caribbean-spiny-lobster