Slipper lobster

Slipper Lobster

The Slipper Lobster (Scyllaridae) is a family of decapod crustaceans known for their flattened bodies and robust, clawless chelipeds. They are found in all warm oceans and seas of the world, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

Description

Slipper lobsters are instantly recognizable by their enlarged antennae, which appear as flattened plates that extend in front of the body. Unlike other lobsters, they do not have large claws; instead, they have small, hook-like appendages. Their bodies are usually cream or brown in color, with some species exhibiting spots or patterns.

Behavior and Diet

Slipper lobsters are nocturnal, hiding during the day and emerging at night to feed. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of organisms including mollusks, echinoderms, and cnidarians. Some species are also known to scavenge.

Commercial Importance

Several species of slipper lobsters are commercially important and are caught for food. They are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, including Australia, Japan, and the Mediterranean. However, overfishing has led to a decline in some populations, leading to calls for better management and conservation efforts.

Taxonomy

The family Scyllaridae is divided into several subfamilies and includes around 90 species. The two most well-known genera are Scyllarus and Thenus, the latter of which includes the commercially important Moreton Bay Bug.

See Also

• Lobster
• Crustacean
• Decapoda