The European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas), also known as the European red lobster or common spiny lobster, is a large crustacean highly prized for its meat. It is recognizable by its long, spiny antennae and shell covered with numerous spines. It inhabits the rocky bottoms of the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, where it generally hides in crevices during the day before setting out in search of food at night.

The European spiny lobster has an elongated body covered by a robust shell, slightly compressed on the sides and covered with numerous spines. Its coloration ranges from reddish brown to purplish brown, with lighter marbling and spots. Two large triangular spines protect the front of the shell, while its two long, spiny antennae, often longer than the body, are one of its main distinguishing features. Unlike lobsters, it does not have claws, and its five pairs of legs are mainly used to move along the seafloor.

As an adult, the European spiny lobster generally measures between 8 and 16 inches in length, but the largest individuals can reach 20 inches

The European spiny lobster mainly inhabits the temperate waters of the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. In the Atlantic Ocean, it occurs from southern Norway and the British Isles south to Morocco, as well as around the Azores and Canary Islands. In the Mediterranean Sea, it is found in many areas, particularly in the western and central regions, as well as in the Adriatic and Aegean seas.

The European spiny lobster is found on rocky seafloors, particularly in areas with faults, crevices, cavities, and coralligenous formations that provide shelter. It is most commonly found between 33 and 230 feet deep, but it can also be observed at depths of up to 656 feet.

The European spiny lobster generally remains hidden in its shelter during the day and becomes most active at night, when it moves along the seafloor in search of food. Adults may live alone, in pairs, or in small groups.

The European spiny lobster is an omnivorous and opportunistic animal that feeds mainly on organisms living on the seafloor. Its diet includes mollusks, echinoderms, and other crustaceans, including prey protected by shells or exoskeletons that it can consume with its powerful mouthparts. It may also eat algae, sponges, marine worms, and, when the opportunity arises, fish or dead animals. Its diet therefore varies depending on the availability of prey in its environment.

The European spiny lobster reproduces once a year, and its breeding season varies depending on the region. After mating, the male deposits spermatophores on the female's underside, after which she releases her eggs, which are fertilized and attached beneath her abdomen. The female then carries the eggs for several months until they hatch.

In the Mediterranean, incubation lasts about five months, while it can reach approximately nine months in the Atlantic. The eggs hatch into pelagic larvae called phyllosomas, which drift in the water column before continuing their development and metamorphosing into young spiny lobsters.

The european spiny lobster is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The european spiny lobster appears in the IUCN Red List since 2014 within the category Vulnerable !