Spiny squat lobster (Galathea strigosa)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Galathea strigosa
- Common name
- Spiny squat lobster
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Galatheidae
- Genus
- Galathea
- Size
- 8–12 cm
- Depth
- 0–600 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky, cave
- Behaviours
- nocturnal, solitary
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Galathea strigosa reaches 12 cm. Small galatheid crustacean with a flattened red-orange body crossed by characteristic bright electric-blue lines, large claws and long antennae. Abdomen tucked under the thorax unlike shrimps. Nocturnal, spends the day hidden in rock crevices and under stones, emerges at night. Lives from 0 to 600 m, from Norway to the Mediterranean. Appreciated macro photo subject for its colors.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Spiny squat lobster?
- Spiny squat lobster (Galathea strigosa) reaches 8–12 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Spiny squat lobster?
- Spiny squat lobster is found between 0–600 m deep.
- Is the Spiny squat lobster dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Spiny squat lobster?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Spiny squat lobster?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Galathea
Other species in the family Galatheidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 107155)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5178351)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia