The complete stock structure of the Caribbean spiny lobster is not fully understood. Silberman et al. (1994) concluded that there is single genetic stock throughout its entire distribution area, however, a recent review of oceanographic and genetic available data indicates that Brazilian populations are characterized by a considerable degree of self-recruitment, and are assessed independently of the Caribbean populations (Andrade, 2015).

This profile refers to the Caribbean spiny lobster assessment unit in Northern Southwest Atlantic, along the tropical Brazilian coast. The Western Central Atlantic profile considers the Caribbean stock.