Spiny Lobster and Stone Crab from Florida

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There’s not many things as tasty as a Caribbean Spiny Lobster. And the Florida Keys has them in abundance. Lobster season opened in early August, so there are spiny lobster available now in seafood shops and restaurants. One of the great simple pleasures in life is fresh spiny lobster split open and grilled. Dip the tail in a little drawn butter and experience bliss.

Spiny lobster are found mostly in the Caribbean (hence the Keys), but also are found in the Gulf of Mexico on hard reefs and around shallow oil platforms. The spiny lobster is different than the cold water Maine lobsters, mainly in its lack of claws. Instead of the big claws found on Maine lobster, spiny lobsters have large (huge!) antennae. These large antennae have sharp spines along them (which gives them there name), so the lobsters use them as weapons to ward off predators. When attacked, the lobster whips its antennae at the attacker to poke it with the spines. This works well we are told by marine biologists who have been whipped while attempting to capture lobster.

It takes the lobster about two years to grow to legal size, which is determined by measuring the carapace, or main body shell. Three inches is the legal minimum. Most spiny lobster are caught by traps, but some commercial fishermen dive for the lobster.

No matter how they are caught, they taste the same. Which is good. Very good. Treat yourself to one soon!

Fresh From Florida – Florida Spiny Lobster Recipes