Panulirus versicolor

Multi-colored spiny lobster ( Panulirus versicolor)

The Many-colored spiny lobster ( Panulirus versicolor ) is a local crayfish from the family of crawfish.

Features

The Many-colored lobster reaches a body length of up to 40 cm, but is on average less than 30 cm. The carapace is rather plump and covered with numerous spines of different sizes. The scourge of Antennulen are longer than the bases of the antennae ( antennal Peduncle ). A rostrum does not exist. Back side, there are no transverse furrows. The walking legs one to four couples do not have scissors.

Striking and characteristic feature is the vivid coloration. The ground color is greenish- blue, the entire carapace is patterned with bluish- black spots. Each abdominal segment has a transverse white line, which is lined by two black lines. The legs are black and white stripes in the longitudinal direction. The bases of the antennae ( antennal Peduncle ) are bright pink.

Distribution and habitat

The Many-colored crayfish is native to the Indo- West Pacific. It occurs to Japan in the Red Sea and the coasts of East Africa. It is also to be found Micronesia, Melanesia, northern Australia and Polynesia.

The Many-colored lobster is nocturnal and lives in shallow water at depths from 0 m to 15 m, mostly in the coral reef. She hides during the day in caves or voids and not live in groups.

Use and threats

This Langustenart is fished throughout its territory and recycled locally. Since it does not go into traps, it is hunted by a diver, or spear. Due to the wide dissemination and the rather low hunting the Many-colored lobster is classified as not at risk ( least concern ).