Species
Tropical Rock Lobster
Panulirus ornatus
Also known as painted crayfish
Tier 4Eating10/10ultralight tackleQLDWANT
0 waypoints20–35 cm (max 60 cm) typical
Regulations
QLD9 cm min · bag 3
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| QLD | 9 cm min | 3 |
carapace length | ||
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
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
Conservation
IUCN: Data Deficient
Recent community catches: anglers who caught tropical rock lobster
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More information: tropical rock lobster references & sources
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