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Elegant squat lobster
elegant squat lobster
encrusting sponge or coralline algae
encrusting organism (coralline algae or sponge)
3 creatures detected
1600 × 1200 · 142 KB compressed · 14.17 MB original

Elegant squat lobster

Munida elegantissima

MEDIUM
Family
Munididae
Also known as
squat lobster, red squat lobster
Description
A small crustacean with vivid red and yellow striped coloration on its carapace and long chelipeds (claws). Squat lobsters are not true lobsters but are more closely related to hermit crabs and porcelain crabs. They typically hide under rocks, coral rubble, or crevices and are omnivorous scavengers feeding on detritus, algae, and small invertebrates.
Habitat
Found under rocks, rubble, and reef crevices from shallow subtidal zones to moderate depths. Distributed across the Indo-Pacific region.
Conservation status
Least Concern
Notes
The image is slightly out of focus on the subject but the distinctive red-and-yellow striped pattern with long chelipeds is visible. The identification as Munida elegantissima is tentative given image resolution; other squat lobster species in the Munididae or Galatheidae family are possible. The animal is sheltering in a narrow gap between two rock/coral surfaces.
Creatures detected3 in frame
  • elegant squat lobsterinvertebrate
  • encrusting sponge or coralline algaeinvertebrate
  • encrusting organism (coralline algae or sponge)coral