Kota Kinabalu: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recorded three new species of spiny lobster (Panulirus spp.) from Sabah waters.
The discovery was made by its scientists from the Borneo Marine Institute (IMB) led by Associate Professor Dr Chen Cheng Ann and Master of Science student Ng Wei Ling.
The three species were identified Panulirus homarus homarus, P. polyphagus and P. femoristriga. Two species are new records for Malaysia (P. femoristriga and P. h. homarus), while P. polyphagus is a new record for Sabah.
Chen said the discovery updates Malaysia’s marine biodiversity records and underscores the need to strengthen fisheries management in Sabah.
“Before this study, only three species — Panulirus ornatus, P. versicolor, and P. longipes — were known from Sabah waters.
“Our research doubles that number to six species, showing much of Sabah’s marine biodiversity remains unexplored,” he said.
Chen added that the research team also recorded another species - Panulirus stimpsoni – in Peninsular Malaysia, expanding the national spiny lobster checklist.
UMS said the research was conducted under challenging conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Previously, data on spiny lobster diversity in Sabah had not been updated since 2004. The increase in recorded species suggests more marine biodiversity likely remains undocumented in the State’s coastal waters and islands.
UMS Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor praised the research team, calling the achievement a milestone in marine science and a reflection of the nation’s research excellence.
Sabah Fisheries Department Director Datin Dr Shuhadah Mustapha said spiny lobsters are among the most commercially valuable crustaceans and that the increased species diversity shows fisheries management protocols need updating.
“The Sabah Fisheries Department will consider these findings in future management plans and looks forward to continued collaboration with UMS,” she said.
Spiny lobsters are key marine species, feeding on small creatures and helping maintain healthy reef ecosystems.
They also provide an important food source for fish, humans, and other predators, linking the marine food chain.
