The spiny lobster Panulirus penicillatus is common in Hawaii, and is, along with its congener Panulirus marginatus, sought after (within season) as a game species by many Hawaiian divers. Although there is considerable overlap and either can be found at any depth, my experience is that P. penicillatus tended to occur in shallower water than the similar P. marginatus. Reported to reach at least 40cm.
Both Panulirus marginatus (larger) and P. penicillatus (with striped legs) occupying the same cave on a shallow reef at Oahu, Hawaii.
Created 6 October 2021