Squat lobster

Munidopsis tridentata

Kiwa puravida

Expl1573 - Flickr - NOAA Photo Library

Porcelain crab Nick Hobgood

Marine crustaceans in the infraorder Anomura

A squat lobster is a marine crustacean in the infraorder Anomura, which also includes hermit crabs and king crabs. Despite their name, squat lobsters are more closely related to crabs than to lobsters. They are found in oceans worldwide, from shallow waters to deep-sea environments.

Description

Squat lobsters have a flattened body and long, slender claws. Their body length can range from a few centimeters to over 10 centimeters. They have a distinctive carapace that covers the cephalothorax and a segmented abdomen that is usually folded under the body. The coloration of squat lobsters can vary widely, with some species exhibiting bright colors and intricate patterns.

Habitat

Squat lobsters inhabit a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky substrates, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. They are often found hiding in crevices or under rocks during the day and are more active at night. Some species are also known to associate with other marine organisms, such as sponges and sea anemones.

Diet

Squat lobsters are omnivorous and feed on a variety of food sources, including plankton, detritus, and small invertebrates. They use their long claws to capture prey and bring it to their mouthparts for consumption. Some species are also known to scavenge on dead animals.

Reproduction

The reproductive behavior of squat lobsters varies among species. Generally, females carry fertilized eggs on their pleopods until they hatch into larvae. The larvae go through several planktonic stages before settling to the bottom and metamorphosing into juvenile squat lobsters.

Economic Importance

While squat lobsters are not as commercially important as true lobsters or crabs, they are sometimes harvested for food in certain regions. They are also of interest to scientists studying marine biodiversity and deep-sea ecosystems.

Related Pages

• Crustacean
• Decapoda
• Anomura
• Galatheidae
• Hermit crab
• King crab

References

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