During a snorkel on November 29, 2024 at Half Moon Caye, we spotted 3 healthy spiny lobsters among the coral heads of the shallow waters. Such a treat! Usually the larger animals are found in deeper waters, while diving. Adult female spiny lobsters lay thousands of tiny eggs, which they carry under their tails. These eggs are fertilized externally and remain attached to the female until they hatch, a process that can take several weeks. It is possible that these individuals were either carrying eggs, or protecting females who were. Two phases upon hatching, the phyllosoma and puerulus stage, take months and culminate in juveniles, that look like mini adult lobsters. As juveniles, spiny lobsters grow rapidly, molting their exoskeletons frequently. They seek shelter in crevices and feed on a diet of small invertebrates and detritus. This stage can last one to two years as the lobsters grow and develop adult characteristics. Belizeans harvest spiny lobsters sustainably, following strict fishing seasons and size regulations to protect the population. Half Moon Caye is a national park, so fishing of any kind is strictly prohibited.
- November 29, 2024
- 1445 local time
- Air temperature: 84F
- Water temperature: 63F
- Sunny with scattered clouds, NE winds 7mph, NE waters
- Moon phase: 2%, one day from new moon
- Typically, lobsters are seen in deeper waters, but the cold northern waters have cooled the shallows.
- Likely species: Panulirus argus