Hawaiian Spiny Lobsters

The Hawaiian spiny lobsters (Panulirus marginatus) are endemic to Hawai'i. They have purple and white striped tails and solid black legs. They are important predators and scavengers in the reef community. They are usually found under ledges or in caves with only their long antennae sticking out. These large crustaceans use sound to warn other lobsters, and even human divers, away from their shelter on the reef. The lobsters produce a buzzing noise by rubbing their antennae against special ridges on their head. This behavior is called stridulation. Their habit of living deep within crevices or caves in the reef also protects them from many potential predators. Powerful muscles in the abdomen (tail) are important in quick, backward escapes that carry them away from predators.