Tropical Rock Lobsters

Hand-caught from Australia’s most pristine waters, our Tropical Rock Lobsters are highly prized around the world for their exquisite taste and texture.

Fresh, Vibrant and Versatile

Tropical Rock Lobster (panulirus ornatus) is one of the most remarkable spiny rock lobster species in the world, with incredibly bright colours and exquisite flavour. This rare lobster is sure to leave a lasting impression. Capable of reaching over 4kg, their striking appearance has given rise to names such as Ornate Lobster, Painted Crayfish, 7 Colour Lobster, and Flower Dragon (Hualong 花龙), while in the Torres Strait Islands they are referred to Kaiar.

Known for its appearance, flavour and texture, Tropical Rock Lobster is extremely versatile. Suitable for any occasion, it is enjoyed barbequed, grilled, poached or steamed and is considered the best lobster in the world for sashimi, a must-have culinary experience. We are proud to be Australia’s largest producer of this seafood delicacy and with decades of experience we continue to work hard to ensure we provide the very best product and service to our customers.

Enquiries

Freshly caught tropical rock lobster held by MG Kailis diver, emphasising sustainable sourcing in Northern Australia.

MG Kailis Lobster team members with Lobsters

MG Kailis Lobster crew holding fresh lobster

MG Kailis crew holding freshly caught tropical rock lobsters on deck during sustainable harvesting in Northern Australia

MG Kailis diver collecting live tropical rock lobster

MG Kailis diver collecting a live tropical rock lobster during sustainable harvesting in Northern Australia

MG Kailis team member handling freshly caught tropical rock lobsters in processing facility in Northern Australia

Torres Strait Islander family on Yam Island proudly holding a freshly caught tropical rock lobster, part of MG Kailis sustainable seafood operations in Northern Australia

Fisherman sorting freshly caught tropical rock lobsters at MG Kailis processing facility in Northern Australia

Women with Lobsters in Cairns from MG Kailis

Photo of family in PNG with Lobster in hand

How we deliver our product to you

From the pristine and remote waters of Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait to customers around the world we have developed specialised techniques and technologies suited to the Ornatus Lobster. These are distributed through our partners based on long term relationships and trust to ensure the best quality lobster are delivered to every end user.

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Hand Caught Lobster

Based on remote islands or motherships, talented divers set out on boats across the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait and Papua New Guinea to search for lobster. Each lobster is handled with expert care as they are brought back to holding tanks, ocean cages or motherships.

Logistics

Live and frozen lobster is then retrieved from the reef through a logistics network of holding tanks, motherships, barges, aircraft and trucks, to bring this premium lobster from the remote reefs of far North Queensland, Torres Strait and Papua New Guinea, to our 4,000sqm export facility in Cairns.

Processing

Once delivered to our lobster facility in Cairns each lobster is individually hand inspected to ensure its quality, then directed into live, fresh or frozen product lines. This enables us to deliver the best possible product to customers in Australia and around the world. With 28 saltwater tanks capable of holding 10 tonnes of live lobster at a time and staff who have been with us for over 20 years, we harness world class expertise in lobster handling and production.