Ornate Spiny Lobster


Systematic Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Crustacea Order: Decapoda Family: Palinuridae Genus: Panulirus Species: Panulirus ornatus (Fabricicus, 1798) Common name: Ornate Spiny Lobster Chinese name: 花龍蝦
	Characteristic Features	Antennular plate with four large spines (1-4). Each abdominal segment is smooth, with no distinct transverse groove. The carapace is blue-green, while abdominal segments have a broad dark transverse band and two oblique yellow-white patches on the sides. Antennule and thoracic appendages are interchanged with yellow-white and black colours.
	Characteristic Features
	Habitat	Occurring subtidally to a depth of 10 m, on coral, rock or soft sediment.
	Size	Maximum 500 mm in total length.
	Distribution	China - Guangxi, Guangdong, Taiwan Island, Fujian; Japan, Eastern Africa, Indonesia, India, Singapore, Philippines, Australia.
	Commercial fishery	Economically important; highly priced seafood.

Systematic Classification