Jasus lalandii
Jasus lalandii, the Cape rock lobster or West Coast rock lobster or South African rock lobster, is a species of spiny lobster found off the coast of Southern Africa. It is not known whom the specific epithet lalandii commemorates, although it may the French naturalist and taxonomer Pierre Antoine Delalande.
Distribution
Jasus lalandii occurs in shallow waters from Cape Cross, Namibia to Algoa Bay, South Africa, straddling the Cape of Good Hope. It may be found as deep as and is usually found on rocky bottoms.Culinary use
It is called crayfish and is often braaied, particularly in the coastal areas along its range, however overfishing has depleted stocks.Description
Orange to red-brown, with long antennae extending from the front of the head. Tail fan orange, blue and green. Thorax spiny. Eyes black and stalked.Ecology
Generally found on rocky reefs, where it prefers the shelter of crevices. Often seen in groups with antennae protruding from the shelter. Swims backward in emergencies using the tail, but generally crawls around on the reef.Its predators include seals, sharks and large fish.
It is susceptible to low oxygen levels in the water which may cause mass strandings.