SpinyLobster

Caribbean Spiny Lobster

Panulirus argus

Anatomy: Belonging to the arthropod phylum P. Argus has a segmented body design, a hard exoskeleton, jointed appendages and is an invertebrate. P. Argus is identifiable by their elongated cylindrical bodies with hard exoskeletons with forward facing spines. In terms of sexual dimorphism males have a slightly wider sternum than females whereas female sternums are striated unlike their male counterparts. There are two recognized subspecies one being Panulirus argus argus which is found north of the equator and the other being Panulirus argus westonii which is found south of the equator in Brazil, however this is an invalid name

Biology:

Habitat: Known to be found as in waters up to 100 meters deep as far north as the Outer banks of North Carolina and as far south as the coast of Brazil along the eastern coasts of North and South America. P Argus. can also be found throughout the Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. Since they are a nocturnal species and the prey of many predators such as Octopi, Sharks, Snappers and Groupers, P. Argus tends to choose a habitat with substantial cover in order to protect itself. This explains why P. Argus is found in coral reefs, around beach piers, and under mangrove roots since these habitats allow for a sustainable food source for P. Argus as well as ample protection from predators.

Threats:

Other Names:

References:

Lipke B. Holthuis (1991). "Panulirus argus". FAO Species Catalogue, Volume 13. Marine Lobsters of the World. FAO Fisheries Synopsis No. 125. Food and Agriculture Organization. pp. 133–134. ISBN 92-5-103027-8.

J. L. Munro (1983). "The biology, ecology and bionomics of spiny lobsters (Palinuridae), apider crabs (Majidae) and other crustacean resources". In J. L. Munro. Caribbean Coral Reef Fishery Resources. ICLARM Technical Reports 7 (2nd ed.). The WorldFish Center. pp. 206–222. ISBN 978-971-10-2201-3.