Common Squat Lobster Galathea squamifera

The common squat lobster’s name is utterly misleading, as it is in fact closer to a hermit or crab than a lobster. This creature likes to hide under rocks and is rather partial to shallow chalk gullied environments that are common to the Norfolk coastline.

Conservation status in Norfolk

The common squat lobster is an abundant species and is not presently threatened.

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Information on the Common Squat Lobster

How to recognise

The common squat lobster is not a lobster at all and is far more closely related to hermit and true crabs. Its appearance is an interesting cross between a crab and lobster with a flattened body and a tail that is tucked underneath itself. The squat lobster has 5 pairs of pereiopods (legs) although only 4 pairs can be seen from the animal’s upper surface. The front pair of pereiopods are very long with a set of large claws. The colour of this primarily filter feeding animal is brown with a green tint, although juveniles are often reddish in appearance. The total body length including the tail is up to 6cm.

Where to see

This is a very common species that can be found in shallow water and on the lower shore. It prefers to hide under rocks and if disturbed it will try to make a quick getaway. The common squat lobster also demonstrates a preference for shallow chalk gullied environments which can be found along the Norfolk coast.

When to see

The squat lobster is common all year round.

Did you know?

There is one other species of squat lobster found in our waters, the spiny squat lobster (Galathea strigosa), although it is not as common along the Norfolk coast as the common squat lobster. It is a striking animal with a beautiful red carapace with blue patches and stripes, and long red tipped claws.

Finding out more

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