Banded Squat Lobster

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This crustacean has an elongated outline with its abdomen folded beneath its body, giving it a compact appearance resembling a small spiny lobster. Its variable colouring is dominated by reddish or reddish-brown tones, crossed by paler transverse bands, with bluish hues on the claws. The claws are long and slender, often marked with colourful rings. Its body is covered in setae, giving it a slightly hairy appearance. It moves mainly across the seabed using its legs and can move backwards quickly by flexing its abdomen.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives on rocky seabeds, in cracks, crevices, caves and coralligenous areas. It occurs from coastal waters down to considerable depths, taking refuge during the day before becoming active at nightfall.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It is an opportunistic species. It consumes organic debris, animal remains and small benthic invertebrates. It can also search the substrate with its legs and handle food using its claws.