Latin Name: Jasus edwardsii
Weight: Generally 0.6–1kg, but can exceed 5kg
Length: Measured by tail width – the minimum legal size for males is generally 54mm and 60mm for females, but can exceed 120mm.
Family: Spiny rock lobster belongs to the Palinuridae family. Unlike true lobsters, spiny lobsters do not have a ‘cheliped’, the large pinching claws at the end of the front leg and instead rely on their powerful tails and long antennae for defence.
- Wild Caught
- Farmed
Location
Spiny rock lobsters are found all around New Zealand’s rocky coastline and are also present along southern Australia from Victoria to Western Australia, as well as Tasmania.
Sustainability
Fishing Methods
Fishing Methods
Pots & Traps
Fishing Season
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JAN
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MAR
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APR
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MAY
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AUG
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OCT
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DEC
Nutrition
Source: Biotin (Vitamin B7), Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium
Good Source: Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), Vitamin B12, Copper, Phosphorus, Selenium
Seafood is a highly nutritious food and is a great source of protein. Many species are low in saturated fat and a number of them are a good source of Omega 3.
Did you know?
Spiny rock lobsters can live for more than 20 years and have been known to travel considerable distances between Otago and Fiordland as they grow and mature.
Cooking Tips
Spiny rock lobster is prized for its sweet, rich flavour and firm, succulent flesh. For best results, cook gently and avoid overcooking, as this can make the meat tough. Lobster can be boiled, steamed, grilled or barbecued and pairs beautifully with garlic butter, lemon and fresh herbs.
Try it:
• Boiled
• Steamed
• Grilled
• Barbecued
To prepare a whole lobster, chill it in the freezer for at least an hour and then dispatch (i.e., chill then kill) before cooking. When cooked in boiling salted water, the flesh changes from translucent to opaque. For a 600 to 800 g lobster, boil for approximately 10 minutes or steam for 15 to 18 minutes.
For grilling, par-boil the lobster for 5 minutes, then place it in iced water to cool. Remove the meat from the shell and grill flesh-side down with a little oil or butter for approximately 5 minutes on each side. Take care not to overcook, and cook only until the flesh turns opaque and is just cooked through.
Rock lobster must be dispatched humanely – please visit the MPI guidelines.
