In the coastal waters of India, there lies a majestic creature that has captured the hearts and palates of seafood lovers around the world – the Indian lobster. With its sleek and striking appearance, this crustacean is a true wonder of the sea.
From its vibrant hues of deep red and orange to its impressive size, the Indian lobster is a sight to behold. Its impressive claws and long antennae make it stand out from other sea creatures as if it’s saying, “Look at me, I am the king of the sea.”
But don’t let its stunning appearance fool you, for the Indian lobster is also a fierce predator. With its sharp claws and agile movements, it can catch prey with ease and defend itself against any would-be attackers.
| Fish Characteristic | Description |
| Common Name | Indian Lobster |
| Scientific Name | Thenus orientalis |
| Colour (s) | Reddish-brown |
| Average Length | Up to 40 cm |
| Average Weight | Up to 2 kg |
| Which coastal waters its found? | East coast and Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
Features
Lobsters are a fascinating and unique species of marine crustaceans found in the waters off the coast of India. While there are several species of lobsters found in India, the most common is the spiny lobster (Panulirus spp.).
In terms of color, spiny lobsters are typically a reddish-brown hue with white spots, although the coloration can vary depending on the individual lobster’s habitat and diet. They have a long and narrow body, with a pair of large, spiny antennae and multiple pairs of legs that end in sharp claws.
Spiny lobsters in India can grow to be quite large, with an average length of around 30 to 60 centimeters, although some individuals can grow up to 90 centimeters or more. Their fins are located on the underside of their body and are used for swimming, with the tail fan providing the main source of propulsion.
In terms of speed, spiny lobsters are not particularly fast swimmers, but they are excellent at maneuvering through the rocky reefs and crevices where they often make their homes. They are also adept at hiding from predators, using their spiny exoskeletons to protect themselves when necessary.
Habitat and Food
Lobsters are primarily bottom-dwelling creatures that inhabit a variety of marine environments, from rocky reefs and seagrass beds to sandy and muddy seabeds. In India, lobsters can be found along the country’s vast coastline, from the Arabian Sea in the west to the Bay of Bengal in the east.
The depth at which lobsters can be found varies depending on the species and location, but they generally prefer to live in waters between 10 to 50 meters deep. Some species, such as the spiny lobster, can be found at depths of up to 100 meters.
Lobsters are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat a variety of foods depending on what is available. They are known to feed on small fish, crabs, mollusks, and other crustaceans, as well as seaweed and algae.
When it comes to fishing for lobsters in India, the most common method is by using traps or pots. These traps are baited with fish or other seafood and left on the seabed for a period of time before being retrieved.
IUCN Status
The conservation status of these species varies, with some being of conservation concern and others being relatively abundant.
The spiny lobster (Panulirus spp.) is the most commercially important lobster species in India. The two main species found in Indian waters are the tropical spiny lobster (Panulirus ornatus) and the painted spiny lobster (Panulirus versicolor). According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), both of these species are currently listed as Data Deficient, which means that there is not enough information available to determine their conservation status. The green slipper lobster, on the other hand, is currently listed as the Least Concern, which means that it is not currently at risk of extinction.
