© Vsevolod RudyiCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist
European Spiny Lobster
Palinurus elephas
Japanese Spiny Lobster
Panulirus japonicus
- Max size
- View in app
- Max depth
- 15 m
- Found in
- 10 regions
How to recognise it
- Colours
- whitebrownred
The Japanese spiny lobster (イセエビ（伊勢蝦/伊勢海老）, ise-ebi),Panulirus japonicus, is a member of the Panulirus genus of spiny lobsters. It grows up to 30 centimetres (12 in) long and lives in the Pacific Ocean around Japan, China, and Korea.
Occurs in depths between 1 and 15 m on rocky bottoms and inhabits shallow waters.
P. japonicus is the subject of commercial lobster fishery in Japan. It is a popular item in high-class Japanese cuisine. Serving and preparation methods include sashimi, as a steak, frying, and roasting alive (残酷焼, zankoku-yaki).
Similar species
© Vsevolod RudyiCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist 
© Elias LevyCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist
Painted Spiny Lobster
Panulirus versicolor
© Dan SchofieldCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist
Sculptured Slipper Lobster
Parribacus antarcticus
© Vsevolod RudyiCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist
Small European Locust Lobster
Scyllarus arctus
Questions
Is Japanese Spiny Lobster dangerous?
Japanese Spiny Lobster has no known danger to humans. However, always observe marine life responsibly.
Where can you find Japanese Spiny Lobster?
How deep does Japanese Spiny Lobster live?
Japanese Spiny Lobster can be found at depths of up to 15 meters.
