Bali Dive Safari - Squatt Lobsters

Dive Safari Bali - Squatt Lobsters

• Common in coastal waters of Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean
• Several species - location varies
• Depths range from 60 to 4,800 feet (18-1,463 meters)
• Often found around vents

Description:

Look like lobsters but are more closely related to hermit crabs (without shell) and other crustaceans

• No tail (reason for name of "squat") but has long arms (reason for name of "lobster)
• Grows up to 15 mm (known as the smallest lobster in the world) but some species to 12 cm
• Rough ridges run across its back
• Bright red eyes
• Body color varies from pink to red or brown
• First pair of walking legs have pincers and can grow to be almost twice their body length
• Tips and spines on claws are white
• Fifth pair of long and thin walking legs are usually held under body
• Long antennae
• Tend to squeeze into crevices or hide under rocks, leaving their sharp claws out for protection

Diet:

Triangular toothed mouth-part (rostrum) with 3-4 sharp teeth on each side

• Scavengers
• Scoop up muddy or sandy deposits and sort out edible bits with their mouth parts
• Also feed on larger food items 
• Sometimes steal food from sea anemones or lives inside deep-sea sponges
• Usually they claim a territory and try to defend it from other lobsters