- Size
- Body to about 40 cm
- Snorkel or dive
- Mostly dive, especially at night.
- Best season
- Year-round.
- Conservation
- Least Concern (IUCN, assessed 2011).
How to recognise it
A clawless spiny lobster in striking green, black and white bands with long, pink-and-white banded antennae and blue-marked legs.
Behaviour in the wild
Shelters in reef crevices and overhangs by day, antennae protruding, and forages over the reef at night.
Where to see it in the Maldives
Reef caves, ledges and overhangs atoll-wide; most often seen on night dives.
Visual field notes
See painted spiny lobster from more than one angle.
One verified identification image is currently available.
01 · Field portrait · Species reference
Field notes
Spiny lobsters have no claws — their defence is a battery of forward-pointing spines and a loud rasping 'scream' made by rubbing antennae against the shell.
Profile references
References are shown transparently; profile copy may also include editorial synthesis. Seasons and sightings vary with wild conditions.
