Panulirus interruptus (Spiny Lobster)
Credit: Mike Dawson
about the species
Panulirus interruptus, the California spiny lobster, is a reef-associated crustacean found along the southern California coast and Baja California. It occupies rocky reefs and kelp forests, where it functions as an important predator and scavenger. This species supports a major commercial and recreational fishery in California and exhibits long larval durations that influence population connectivity across broad spatial scales.
why species was selected
The California spiny lobster was selected because of its fishery importance and complex life history. Genomic data can help resolve population connectivity, identify management-relevant units, and assess adaptive variation, supporting sustainable harvest and conservation of nearshore marine resources.
