Lobsters

Palinuridae

Mediterranean spiny lobsters hide in crevices by day, antennae poking out like whiskers. Night dives are the best time to see them out walking the reef. In marine reserves, they can grow impressively large.

Last updated April 2026

Spiny lobsterPalinurus elephas33 photos

VulnerableUp to 50 cm10–50mRocky reefCave

A large, heavily armored lobster with long, spiny antennae and no claws — the Med's prized crustacean. Reddish-brown with pale spots and enormous forward-pointing antennae.

Hides deep in caves and crevices during the day with antennae poking out — makes a rasping alarm sound when threatened. Increasingly rare outside reserves.

Observed at

La Virgen(Costa del Maresme)S'Adolitx(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)La Calzada(Costa del Maresme)Túneles de Port Salvi(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)Peu de Negre(Costa del Maresme)El Trencat(Costa del Maresme)El Templo(Costa del Maresme)Montseny(Costa del Maresme)Montelivi(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)Barra de l'Arbre(Costa del Maresme)Punta Cana(Costa del Maresme)

Slipper lobsterScyllarus arctus5 photos

Rocky reef

Observed at

Dofí Nord(Illes Medes)

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