Scyllarus arctus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Lesser slipper lobster
French : Petite cigale de mer

Classification
Class : Malacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Family : Scyllaridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
It can reach a maximum length of 16 cm. Its antennae has transformed into flat spatula-like extensions. Coloration brownish-red with brighter areas between each body segment. Blue rings around legs.

Range and habitat
Eastern Atlantic from the English Channel to Madeira, the Azores, Canary islands and most of the Mediterranean sea. Found in caves, rocky bottoms, marine grasslands near rocky areas at depth down to 50 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is rarely seen and it is believed to be scarce in the wild. The main threat for its survival is pollution of waters and disturbance.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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