Jasus edwardsii

(Hutton, 1875)

Vernacular names
English : Southern rock lobster
French : Langouste d’Edwards

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

Identification
Adults can grow to a body length of 23 cm with 30 cm long antennae. No pincers, females being smaller than males. Coloration ranges from pink or orange-red to grey-brown, with light spotting on thorax. Underside is usually white.

Range and habitat
The southernmost spiny lobster species, being found from New South Wales coasts in South Australia to New Zealand and nearby islands. Lives in rocky reef areas, from 5 to 200 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has dramatically declined to the point of being endangered in the past. Careful management by fisheries have allowed for recovery.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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