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Spiny Lobster
(Panulirus interruptus)
Courtesy of Tom Haight
Lacking
the pinching claw of it's famous relative, the Maine Lobster,
this crustacean is far from defenseless. As the name would
suggest, the Spiny Lobster is covered with numerous sharp
spines and projections, able to inflict injury to the unwary
person trying to pick one up. Found along this coast anywhere
there is protection, the Spiny Lobster can be seen from Point
Arguello to Baja California. They live in tide pools to depths
well over 100 feet. Although not known for sure, it is thought
these lobsters can live to the age of 100 years or more. There
is a large Southern California fishery for these wonderful
tasting invertebrates. In times past it was commonplace to
find spiny lobster over two feet in length; it is a rarity
today. Spiny Lobster hide in the rocks and crevices by day
coming out to forage, on just about anything, at night.
Following
is a short video clip of a spiny lobster in its native habitat,
courtesy of Tom Haight Marine Wildlife Photography.
If the video clip does not automatically display, you may
be prompted to download a plug-in that will enable you to
view the video file.
(3.4MB .avi file)
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