Spiny squat lobster by Paul Naylor
Spiny squat lobster
Enw gwyddonol: Galathea strigosa
A bizarre half lobster/half crab, this squat lobster is one of the true stunners of the rocky shore!
Top facts
Category
Stats
Up to 10cm long (including tail)Conservation status
Fairly common
Pryd i'w gweld
April to OctoberYnghylch
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.What to look for
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).Where to find
Fairly common around the UK, North east Atlantic, Mediterranean and Red SeasRoeddech chi yn gwybod?
This species is more likely to be found at night, when it leaves its rocky crevice to scavenge for food!
Mark Hamblin/2020VISION
Seas in crisis
Plastic-strewn beaches, fisheries on the verge of collapse and the ever growing effects of global climate change.