Panulirus versicolor
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
1-30 meters
The painted spiny lobster is one of the most spectacularly coloured crustaceans in Komodo's waters, a large lobster species adorned with a psychedelic combination of blue, green, white, and orange that seems designed to be photographed. Reaching lengths of up to 40 centimetres excluding the long, whip-like antennae, this nocturnal creature spends its days hiding deep in reef crevices and caves, with only its ornate antennae protruding and waving gently to sense the surrounding environment. At night, painted spiny lobsters emerge to forage across the reef, feeding on molluscs, sea urchins, and other invertebrates that they crack open with their powerful mandibles. Unlike clawed lobsters, spiny lobsters lack the large pincers and instead rely on their tough, spiny exoskeleton and long antennae — which they can rub together to produce a loud rasping sound to deter predators — for defence. In Komodo, they are commonly spotted on night dives walking across the reef or during day dives peering from deep crevices. Their outrageous colouration, combined with the dramatically long antennae, makes them one of the most photogenic crustaceans available to underwater photographers.
Average Size
20-30cm body length
Size Range
10-40cm body length
Maximum Size
40cm body length
Nocturnal forager feeding on molluscs, sea urchins, small crustaceans, and other reef invertebrates. Uses powerful mandibles to crack open hard-shelled prey.
The painted spiny lobster is one of the most spectacularly coloured crustaceans in Komodo's waters, a large lobster species adorned with a psychedelic combination of blue, green, white, and orange that seems designed to be photographed. Reaching lengths of up to 40 centimetres excluding the long, whip-like antennae, this nocturnal creature spends its days hiding deep in reef crevices and caves, with only its ornate antennae protruding and waving gently to sense the surrounding environment. At night, painted spiny lobsters emerge to forage across the reef, feeding on molluscs, sea urchins, and other invertebrates that they crack open with their powerful mandibles. Unlike clawed lobsters, spiny lobsters lack the large pincers and instead rely on their tough, spiny exoskeleton and long antennae — which they can rub together to produce a loud rasping sound to deter predators — for defence. In Komodo, they are commonly spotted on night dives walking across the reef or during day dives peering from deep crevices. Their outrageous colouration, combined with the dramatically long antennae, makes them one of the most photogenic crustaceans available to underwater photographers.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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They are found at most reef sites, hiding in crevices by day and foraging at night. Night dives at Wainilu, Pink Beach, Siaba Besar, and Sabolon sites offer the best encounters with fully emerged, active individuals.
