Question

Which category of lobsters forms a major fishery along the Indian coast?

• A. Sand lobsters
• B. Spiny lobsters
• C. Cape lobsters
• D. True lobsters

Hint:

Spiny lobsters (genus Panulirus) are the premium, high-value decapod targets in Indian marine capture fisheries, valued for their export demand.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Lobsters are highly valued marine decapod crustaceans that support lucrative export fisheries globally.
Different morphological families of lobsters occur along coastal shelves, with varying abundance and commercial significance.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Along the Indian coast, the lobster fishery is dominated by the family Palinuridae, commonly known as spiny lobsters.
Spiny lobsters are characterized by their long, thick, spiny antennae and the complete lack of the large chelae (claws) typical of true lobsters (family Nephropidae).
Major commercial species of spiny lobsters landed along the Indian coast include Panulirus homarus, Panulirus polyphagus, Panulirus versicolor, and Panulirus ornatus.
These species inhabit rocky reefs, coral crevices, and muddy-sandy coastal beds along both the southwest and southeast coasts of India.
Sand lobsters (family Scyllaridae), such as Thenus orientalis, also contribute to the landings but are generally considered a secondary component compared to the highly prized spiny lobsters.
True lobsters (clawed lobsters) are primarily cold-water species and do not form a major fishery in tropical Indian waters.
Therefore, spiny lobsters constitute the most dominant and economically significant lobster fishery in India.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Spiny lobsters form the major lobster fishery along the Indian coast.