Moreton Bay bug

Moreton Bay bug (Thenus orientalis), also known as the Bay lobster or Flathead lobster, is a species of slipper lobster that lives in the waters around Australia. It is named after Moreton Bay, in Queensland, where it is commonly found.

Description

The Moreton Bay bug is a medium-sized crustacean, typically measuring between 10 and 25 centimeters in length. It has a flattened body and a large, broad tail, which is used for swimming. The body is covered in a hard, protective exoskeleton which is typically a pale brown or grey color. The bug has two large, forward-facing eyes and a pair of long, slender antennae.

Habitat and Distribution

Moreton Bay bugs are found in the warm, tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. They are particularly common in the waters around northern Australia, from Western Australia to Queensland. They inhabit sandy or muddy seabeds, where they burrow into the substrate during the day and emerge to feed at night.

Diet

The diet of the Moreton Bay bug consists mainly of small fish, mollusks, and other crustaceans. They are also known to scavenge on dead animals.

Commercial Importance

Moreton Bay bugs are a popular seafood in Australia. They are caught using trawling methods and are sold both domestically and internationally. The meat is sweet and delicate, similar to that of a lobster or crab, and is often used in recipes for grilled seafood, seafood pasta, and seafood salad.

Conservation Status

The Moreton Bay bug is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, overfishing and habitat destruction could potentially pose a threat to the species in the future.

See Also

• Slipper lobster
• Seafood in Australia
• Trawling