Open Year-Round

Western Rock Lobster

Panulirus cygnus

Also known as: Cray, Crayfish, Lobster

DPIRD Category Crustacean
Peak Season Nov-Jun
Difficulty Easy
Fight Rating ★★★☆☆
Western Rock Lobster

Regulations & Limits

CRUSTACEAN

Limits by Bioregion

West Coast OPEN
Min Size 76mm
Individual Limit 8 fish
Mixed Limit N/A
✓ Open year-round.
South Coast OPEN
Min Size 76mm
Individual Limit 8 fish
Mixed Limit N/A
✓ Open year-round.
Gascoyne OPEN
Min Size 76mm
Individual Limit 8 fish
Mixed Limit N/A
✓ Open year-round.
Pilbara N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley) N/A
Species not commonly found in this region

Good to Know

  • LICENCE REQUIRED - Rock Lobster Licence
  • Maximum 4 tropical lobsters within daily bag
  • Maximum 12 tropical lobsters within boat limit
  • Possession limit of 24 per person
  • Berried females and setose lobsters protected

ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au

Size & Weight

Typical Size0 cm
Max Size0 cm
Typical Weight0 kg
Max Weight2 kg

Habitat

Where: Rocky reefs, ledges, caves

Depth: 5-100m

ID Features: Red-brown with spiny body, long antennae, no claws

Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak Available Poor

Peak: Nov-Jun | Water Temp: 18 – 24°C

How to Catch Western Rock Lobster

1

Potting

Setup

  • Line: N/A
  • Leader: N/A

Top Lures

  • N/A - Use approved pots

Best Baits

  • Cowhide
  • Fish frames
  • Cattle lips

Eating Quality

★★★★★ Excellent

Flesh: White

Best cooked: Boiled, grilled, thermidor (premium)

The Fight

★★★☆☆ 3/5

Good sport on appropriate tackle.

Explore More Species

Browse our complete database of 122 species.

View All Species