Hairy squat lobster (Lauriea siagiani)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Lauriea siagiani
- Common name
- Hairy squat lobster
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Galatheidae
- Genus
- Lauriea
- Size
- 1–2 cm
- Depth
- 10–50 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- cryptic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific
Description
Lauriea siagiani reaches 2 cm. Tiny galatheid with bright pink-magenta body and legs covered with long white hairs forming pom-poms at joints (hence pink pom-pom crab nickname). Lives exclusively commensally in channels and surfaces of giant Xestospongia testudinaria barrel sponges from 10 to 50 m on coral reefs of western Indo-Pacific. Listed LC. Legendary and highly sought macro subject of Lembeh, Indonesia, Philippines dives. Hard to photograph (small, hidden in sponge, mobile).
Photo of Hairy squat lobster
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Hairy squat lobster?
- Hairy squat lobster (Lauriea siagiani) reaches 1–2 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Hairy squat lobster?
- Hairy squat lobster is found between 10–50 m deep.
- Is the Hairy squat lobster dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Hairy squat lobster?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Hairy squat lobster?
- Found in: Asian Pacific.
Other species in the family Galatheidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 392272)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4311209)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia