Spiny Lobster
Also known as：Ornate spiny lobster, painted rock lobster
Panulirus spp.
- Origin
- South China Sea, Xisha Islands
- Season
- Jun–Oct
- Appearance
- A thick cylindrical body with hard, densely spined armor, brownish-green with yellow spots, long thick antennae, no claws; commercial sizes mostly 0.8–3 jin.
Content compiled by the Xian Mancang team
Introduction
品种介绍'Longxia' refers to clawless rock lobsters; China's South China Sea ornate and painted spiny lobsters are representative. Firm, springy flesh — the top-tier ingredient of premium Cantonese seafood banquets.
Main origins: South China Sea and Xisha waters; peak season Jun–Oct; air-freighted live to inland premium markets.
Holding Environment
暂养环境Xian Mancang holding advisor: temperature, salinity, water quality and density references per species — feel free to exchange holding experience.
Hold at 20–26°C, salinity 30–35‰, clear water with DO ≥6 mg/L, density 5–10 kg per cubic meter (separate cages required).
Hold 5–15 days; cannibalism risk is high — keep in individual cages or compartments. Parameters above are reference values — adjust to water quality and season.
Economic Value
经济价值High unit price makes it the top profit category of live channels. Price follows size and appearance: large vivid specimens for banquets and gift boxes; small for daily foodservice. Domestic and imported lobsters coexist; holiday demand spikes; live-loss control is the key to profitability.
Culinary & Commercial Use
烹饪与商业用途Steamed, garlic-fan steamed and cheese-baked are the standards — springy and sweet; shells and tail-head go into congee, using everything.
Foodservice: the grand finale of Cantonese banquets, a staple purchase of star hotels and seafood restaurants; frozen tails and lobster balls supplement other channels.
Buying Guide
选购指南Live lobsters: antennae twitching, strong legs; firm abdomen, no off-odor. Complete spines and vivid color signal good appearance. Dead lobsters turn dull, limp at the joints and smell — never buy; verify live weight matches the quoted unit.
Market Reference
规格行情Reference price: live 120–300 CNY/jin by size and species; imports priced separately. Strong holiday-banquet premiums; air-freight is a major cost component; prices swing with origin supply.
Spiny Lobster · FAQs
How do I pick the freshest Spiny Lobster?
Live lobsters: antennae twitching, strong legs; firm abdomen, no off-odor. Complete spines and vivid color signal good appearance. Dead lobsters turn dull, limp at the joints and smell — never buy; verify live weight matches the quoted unit.
What are the live-holding requirements for Spiny Lobster?
Hold at 20–26°C, salinity 30–35‰, clear water with DO ≥6 mg/L, density 5–10 kg per cubic meter (separate cages required).
What is the current market price of Spiny Lobster?
Reference price: live 120–300 CNY/jin by size and species; imports priced separately. Strong holiday-banquet premiums; air-freight is a major cost component; prices swing with origin supply.
How do I cook Spiny Lobster? What methods work best?
Steamed, garlic-fan steamed and cheese-baked are the standards — springy and sweet; shells and tail-head go into congee, using everything.
Spiny Lobster · For stock availability and holding consultation, contact us