Panulirus japonicus

(von Siebold, 1824)

Vernacular names
English : Japanese spiny lobster
French : Langouste du Japon

Classification
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Family : Palinuridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow up to 30 cm in total length (excluding the thick antennae). Coloration is greyish to red. Unconspicuous white spots are visible on sides of abdomen. Cephalothorax reddish, antennulae red without stripes, red spines.

Range and habitat
The species occurs around the shores of eastern Asia, from Korea and China to Japan, south to Taiwan. Lives in exposed rocky shores, from surface to at least 15 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : DATA DEFICIENT
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is targeted by major fisheries throughout its range and especially in Japan. Establishing sustainable populations is the main challenge.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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