---
title: Lobsters (Achelata)
scientific_name: Achelata
common_name: Lobsters
rank: Infraorder
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T21:03:03.834Z
tags: Lobsters, Achelata, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/lobsters
---

# Lobsters (*Achelata*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Infraorder
- **Scientific name:** Achelata
- **Body shape:** Invertebrate - Not a fish - coral, mollusc, crustacean, echinoderm and other invertebrate groups.
- **Species listed here:** 7

## How to recognise this group

- absence of large, prominent grasping claws
- tough, armoured exoskeleton
- antennae either long and whip-like or broad and plate-like
- cryptic colours, often mottled browns, reds, or greens

Achelata comprises decapod crustaceans, commonly known as spiny lobsters and slipper lobsters. The group name, meaning 'without claws' in Greek, refers to the absence of large, grasping pincers found on true lobsters. Spiny lobsters possess robust, cylindrical bodies covered with prominent spines and long, whip-like antennae, reaching lengths of up to 50 cm (20 in). Slipper lobsters feature a flattened, shovel-like carapace and broad, plate-like antennae, growing to 30 cm (12 in). Both types have tough exoskeletons, displaying varied patterns of mottled browns, reds, and greens that provide camouflage.

These crustaceans are primarily nocturnal, sheltering in reef crevices, caves, or under ledges during daylight hours. They inhabit rocky reefs, coral formations, and sandy bottoms, from shallow waters down to depths of 100 metres (330 ft). Spiny lobsters use their whip-like antennae for sensing their environment and for defence, sometimes aggregating in shared shelters. Achelata are opportunistic feeders, preying on small molluscs, other crustaceans, and worms, and also scavenging on detritus. They use powerful mandibles to crush their food.


## Species (7)

- [Aesop Slipper Lobster (Scyllarides haanii)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/lobsters/aesop-slipper-lobster)
- [Clam-eating Slipper Lobster (Scyllarides tridacnophaga)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/lobsters/clam-eating-slipper-lobster)
- [Indo-Pacific Furry Lobster (Palinurellus wieneckii)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/lobsters/indo-pacific-furry-lobster)
- [Ornate Spiny Lobster (Panulirus ornatus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/lobsters/ornate-spiny-lobster)
- [Painted Spiny Lobster (Panulirus versicolor)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/lobsters/painted-spiny-lobster)
- [Pronghorn Spiny Lobster (Panulirus penicillatus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/lobsters/pronghorn-spiny-lobster)
- [Red Reef Lobster (Enoplometopus occidentalis)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/lobsters/red-reef-lobster)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/crustaceans/lobsters)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*