Caribbean spiny lobster

Marine crustacean. Carapace rounded dorsally, covered with numerous spines and nodules of various sizes including a pair of very strong and sharp frontal horns over the eyes; no distinct median rostrum on frontal margin of carapace. Antennae long, stiff, whip-like, longer than the body; antennules slender, their flagella longer than the antennular peduncle; bases of antennae separated by a broad antennular plate bearing 2 pairs of strong spines. Tail powerful, with a well-developed fan; each abdominal segment with a complete transverse groove. Legs without pincers. First pair of legs not enlarged. Colour: variable, mottled greenish purple, also tan, brown, reddish, bluish, or greenish; tail with 4 conspicuous yellow spots, one on each side of second and sixth abdominal segments; legs with light and dark longitudinal stripes. Tail fan with a broad transverse reddish band along or just before the posterior margin. Maximum length: 45 cm.