Striated Squat Lobster

Galathea australiensis

Systematics: Anomura Family Galatheidae

Distinguishing Characters:
The chelae are longer than the body. Between the eyes and the long antennae is a triangular toothed rostrum, with 3 or 4 sharp teeth along each side. The carapace, up to 15 mm long, has rough ridges running cross-ways. The abdomen is as broad as the carapace and flexible. The eyes are bright red and the body varies from pink or red to brown.

Habitat and Distribution:
Squat lobsters are very common on the shelf but are rarely seen intertidally. This species occurs across all of the southern Australian coast.

General Biology:
The striated squat lobster is one of about ten species of galatheid lobsters in southern Australia. All are very active animals which shelter in crevices in rough sediments. They may swim away from the bottom and in New Zealand similar species occur in such huge numbers that they may form a “red tide.”

Feedback and queries should be sent to the Discovery Centre at Museum Victoria.
Please note, the Discovery Centre can help you only with questions about crustaceans from southeastern Australia. It can not advise on the care of pet hermit crabs or on crustaceans from other regions.