Ornate Spiny Lobster

Photo: portioid · CC BY

Large ornate spiny lobsters retreat into the deeper crevices of Lobster Wall during daylight, their long antennae protruding visibly from the rock — the feature that gives the site its name. They emerge at night to forage across the sandy bottom for molluscs, sea urchins and carrion, making night dives on this wall dramatically different in character from daytime dives. The species is an important indicator of low fishing pressure and benefits from the de facto protection provided by Kapalai's resort-dive-only access model.