Spiny Ornate Lobster

This dazzling creature is covered in alternating bands of black and white over its long legs and whiskers. Its carapace shimmers turquoise and its tail may be orange. It may hide under rocks for much of the day but will emerge at night time or when hungry. Its long antennae are nearly always visible. It is an opportunistic omnivore and will take any food available, possibly threatening sleeping fish, snails, crabs, urchins and anything else it can catch. If well fed the lobster's predatory nature is more subdued. It is easy to keep, may grow up to 15 inches and needs an aquarium at least 100 gallons.