[7] T. birsteini resembles a typical lobster, with two large claws, four other pairs of pereiopods, and a long pleon (tail).

The carapace is granular, especially in the front half, and it bears a rostrum which divides into two points at its tip.

[8] There is also latitudinal variation in colour, with northern individuals being pale yellow, while those from further south are maroon.

Newly hatched larvae have a carapace length of 1.7–2.2 mm (0.067–0.087 in), and are present in smaller numbers than the eggs, with a maximum of 43 observed on a single female.

[8] The meat of T. birsteini is reported to be excellent,[7] and it is thought that the species could be commercially exploited if sufficient concentrations could be discovered.