UMS scientists discover three new spiny lobster species off Sabah waters

 By Olivia Miwil 

olivia@nst.com.my 

KOTA KINABALU, MARCH 16, 2026: Borneo Marine Institute (IBM) researcher Associate Professor Dr Chen Cheng Ann examining a spiny lobster specimen during morphological identification. Photo courtesy of UMS

 Pictures courtesy of Sabah UMS 

 KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has recorded three species of spiny lobster (Panulirus spp.) from the waters of Sabah. 

 The study, led by the varsity's Borneo Marine Institute (IBM) researcher Associate Professor Dr. Chen Cheng Ann together with Master of Science student Ng Wei-Ling, identified three species of spiny lobster, namely Panulirus homarus homarus, P. polyphagus, and P. femoristriga. 

 Two of these species are new records for Malaysia (P. femoristriga and P. h. homarus), while another species (P. polyphagus) is a new record for Sabah. 

 Chen said the discovery is significant as it updates Malaysia’s marine biodiversity records and highlights the need to strengthen fisheries resource management in Sabah.

 “Prior to this study, only three species of spiny lobster Panulirus ornatus, P. versicolor, and P. longipes had been known from Sabah waters since 2004. 

 “Our research has now doubled that number to six species, indicating that much of Sabah’s marine biodiversity remains unexplored. 

 “In related work, our team has also recorded Panulirus stimpsoni from Peninsular Malaysia, further expanding the national checklist of spiny lobsters,” he said in a statement, adding the research was conducted under challenging conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

 Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SaBC) has granted the Access Licence for this study under permit reference number JKM/MBS.1000-2/2 JLD.13 (152) and (153). 

 Previously, data on the diversity of spiny lobsters in Sabah had not been updated since 2004, and the increase in recorded species indicates that more marine biodiversity likely remains undocumented in the state’s coastal waters and islands. 

 UMS Vice Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor, commended the research team, describing the achievement as a significant 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 crustacean groups, and the increase in known species diversity indicates that fisheries management protocols need to be updated. 

 “The Sabah Fisheries Department will take these findings into consideration in future management plans and looks forward to continuing collaboration with UMS,” she said.