Spiny squat lobster by Paul Naylor
Spiny squat lobster
A bizarre half lobster/half crab, this squat lobster is one of the true stunners of the rocky shore!
Scientific name
Galathea strigosaWhen to see
April to OctoberSpecies information
Statistics
Up to 10cm long (including tail)Fairly common
About
Squat lobsters look a bit like a cross between crabs and lobsters or a tiny lobster curled in half! They have a long, flattened body and a tail tucked up underneath. As with many other crustaceans, squat lobsters can use their tail as a paddle to escape backwards very quickly.How to identify
This species is particularly vibrant, with a stunning red body, decorated with electric blue stripes across the body and around the eyes. Two long, chunky, red claws stick out in front, covered in thick brown hairs (spines).Distribution
Fairly common around the UK, North east Atlantic, Mediterranean and Red SeasDid you know?
This species is more likely to be found at night, when it leaves its rocky crevice to scavenge for food!
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