European Spiny Lobster
Palinurus elephas
Sighting evidence at Blue Cave (Light Cave), Fethiye / Göcek
Photo: Albertini maridom · CC BY-NC
The cave's shaded overhangs and deep crevices shelter resident lobsters that emerge to feed at night on the surrounding reef. Population density is higher inside the cave than on exposed sections of coast due to reduced fishing pressure within the protected bay system. Adults can reach 50 cm and are best observed on early morning dives before they fully retreat into shade.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
European Spiny Lobster is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.