Painted Spiny Lobster
Panulirus versicolor · pan-yoo-LY-rus ver-SIK-or-lor
nocturnalpairsLeast Concern
EdibleUnfriendlyDangerous
Superpower
Wears electric blue-and-white war paint that warns it tastes of trouble.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 25 cm, up to 40 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Depth
- 1–15 m
Habitat
Shallow coral reefs.
Diet
Snails, clams and small invertebrates.
Can I eat it?
Yes — edible · tastiness 8/10.
How to cook: Grilled or steamed; a beautiful, prized lobster.
Safety
- Dangerous2/10
Spiny shell and antennae can scratch.
Fun facts
- It is one of the most colourful of all lobsters.
- Long white antennae sweep the dark for danger.
- It often shelters in pairs in the same crevice.