Explore the Collection: Crustaceans
Painted Rock Lobster (Panulirus versicolor)
The Painted Rock Lobster is easily recognisable from other lobster species by its distinctive colours. This species is generally green-blue with a very dark blue-black and white pattern on the carapace, while the abdomen and legs are banded by white stripes. The antennae are black with pink bases.
Did you know?
Painted Rock Lobsters hide from predators in reef overhangs and crevices.
Members of this species can grow to a total length of ~400 mm. The Painted Rock Lobster can be found inhabiting coral reefs up to a depth of 16 m. Like other lobsters, members of this species will tend to hide in overhangs and crevices of reefs to avoid predators.
This species is found from North West Cape in Western Australia, across the northern coast of Australia to mid-coastal Queensland in the east.
Photos of Painted Rock Lobster Found in the Dampier Archipelago
Painted Rock Lobster (Panulirus versicolor). Photograph: Clay Bryce, WA Museum
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