Page 97 - Caribbean Reef Life Demo

RED BANDED LOBSTER
(Justitia longimana) < 20 cm / 8 in
Orange body with a dark red lined pattern. Legs, claws and antennae banded with red and white. Prefers deeper reefs.
Lobsters move about by walking or by using the paddle-shaped swimmerets on their tails. An essential part of a reef ecosystem, they feed on decaying matter, from algae to dead animals and even the feces of other reef inhabitants. Despite this, lobster is a popular and even iconic food throughout the Caribbean. With stocks dwindling, sheries are having to travel to more and more remote coral reefs to supply the high demand for this delicacy. This was not always the perception; in the 18th century lobster was considered a very low- uality food and was often used to feed slaves and prisoners.
uvenile lobsters are vulnerable on the reef. They are easily overexploited, as they hide in the more accessible shallows. They also tend to shelter in large groups, more easily harvested. In many areas there are size restrictions to make sure that each lobster has been given the chance to reproduce at least once in its life. If left in peace they can reach an age of over 20 years.
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