Species
Tropical Rock Lobster
Panulirus ornatus
Also known as painted crayfish
Tier 4Eating10/10ultralight tackleQLDWANT
0 waypoints~20–35 cm typical
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No tropical rock lobster catches logged yet — log one and you'll be recognised here.
Where to catch
Range & spots
No mapped spots for this species yet.
This species is in the catalog but not yet linked to any mapped waypoint.
Overview: about tropical rock lobster
Colourful tropical spiny lobster of northern Australian coral reefs, especially the Torres Strait. Caught by divers and free-divers in season. Important commercial and Indigenous fishery.
Biology: Tropical Rock Lobster size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Reef
- Typical size
- 20–35 cm (max 60 cm)
- Weight
- 0.5–6 kg
- Depth range
- 1–200 m
- Diet
- molluscs, crustaceans
- Most active
- nocturnal
- Global range
- Indo-West Pacific
How to target: Tropical Rock Lobster angling strategies
Generally fished with ultralight tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- spear-diving in season
Best season: when to catch tropical rock lobster in Australia
No seasonal pattern for tropical rock lobster yet. Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions — check state fisheries advice and recent local reports before planning a trip.
Where to catch: tropical rock lobster fishing spots in Australia
No mapped spots or marks for tropical rock lobster yet. As waypoints are added that list this species, they'll appear here.