Consumption of this species is considered unsustainable. Capture and sale of egg bearing lobsters is prohibited throughout the year. This fishery has shown signs of overexploitation since the 1970’s. Highly vulnerable to overexploitation due to its slow growth, long life span and low fecundity.

Some populations (mainly near urban coasts) may bioaccumulate toxic substances.

Large, reddish-brown crustacean with a carapace covered with forward-directed spines. It has particularly prominent supra-orbital spines. Antennal stalks very heavy and spiny; flagellum stout, tapering and longer than the body. Typically orange colouration but may also be brown, sandy or purple. There are two large symmetrical white blotches on the tergites of somites 1-5, a single central blotch on the last segment and two blotches on the telson. Small hook-like claws. Looks like: Palinurus mauritanicus (Pink spiny lobster): similar body shape and belong to the same genus. However, P. mauritanicus is typically found in deeper waters and has a more reddish-pink coloration.

Once hatched, European spiny lobster eggs look like flat, leaf‑shaped plankton!