Squat lobster

Squat Lobster

The Squat Lobster is a common name that refers to crustaceans in two families of the infraorder Anomura, namely the Galatheidae and Chirostylidae. These marine animals are not true lobsters, but are more closely related to hermit crabs and porcelain crabs. They are widely distributed in oceans around the world.

Description

Squat lobsters are characterized by their flattened bodies and long, clawed appendages. They range in size from 90 millimeters to 200 millimeters. The body color varies from species to species, with some exhibiting bright, vibrant colors while others are more subdued.

Habitat and Distribution

Squat lobsters are found in oceans worldwide, from the shallow waters of the continental shelf to the deep sea. They inhabit a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, hydrothermal vents, and seamounts. Some species are known to form dense aggregations in areas with suitable habitat.

Behavior and Diet

Squat lobsters are primarily scavengers, feeding on dead organic matter that falls to the seafloor. However, some species are also known to be predators, feeding on small invertebrates. They are also known for their defensive behavior, where they raise their claws to ward off potential predators.

Economic Importance

Several species of squat lobsters are commercially important, being harvested for food in some parts of the world. They are also of interest to the aquarium trade due to their unique appearance and behavior.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of most squat lobster species is not well known, due to the difficulty in studying these animals in their deep-sea habitats. However, overfishing and habitat destruction pose potential threats to some species.

See Also

• Crustacean
• Deep-sea creature
• Marine biology

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