Lobsters

Critter Spotlight: Panulirus versicolor

Photo Credit: edge-of-reef.com

The word "lobster" applies to members of two very different decapod infraorders, Astacidea and Palinura. Both have bodies that are covered by a hard integument or shell. They are shaped for swimming and crawling using legs, not pleopods as do shrimp, and have a flattened abdomen area.

• Clawed Lobsters - Infraorder: Astacidea
• Slipper Lobsters - Infraorder: Palinura
• Spiny Lobsters - Infraorder: Palinura