Galathea strigosa

Galathea strigosa

Galathea strigosa is a species of squid in the family Galatheidae, commonly known as the Spiny Squat Lobster. It is found in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea.

Description

The Galathea strigosa is a small, brightly colored lobster with a body length of up to 90 millimeters. It has a distinctive spiny carapace and long, slender legs. The coloration varies from orange-red to pink or purple, often with white or yellow spots. The species is known for its ability to change color to match its surroundings, a form of camouflage.

Distribution and habitat

The Galathea strigosa is found in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea. It inhabits rocky substrates and is often found in crevices or under rocks. The species is typically found at depths of 20 to 800 meters, although it has been recorded at depths of up to 2,000 meters.

Behavior and ecology

The Galathea strigosa is a nocturnal species that spends the day hiding in crevices or under rocks. It emerges at night to feed on a variety of organisms, including mollusks, crustaceans, and polychaetes. The species is also known to scavenge on dead animals.

Conservation status

The Galathea strigosa is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like all marine species, it is potentially threatened by climate change, ocean acidification, and overfishing.

See also

• Galatheidae
• Squat lobster

References

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