Pictures: New Squat Lobsters Found Off Australia

Squat, But Well-Armed

Photograph courtesy Joanne Taylor

The squat lobster Munidopsis crenatirostris, pictured above, is another of the recently collected species that's new to Australian waters, Taylor and colleagues report.

The claws of squat lobsters vary significantly in terms of length, pincer size, and spininess, Taylor said via email—as M. crenatirostris shows. Few behavioral studies have been done on squat lobsters, but it's known that many species hide in crevices and use their long claws to catch passing prey. (Related: "Sea Slug Chemical Blast Deters Lobster Predators.")

Published November 29, 2010

Battle Scarred Lobster?

Photograph courtesy Joanne Taylor

The brightly colored squat lobster Munidopsis dasypus ranges from Madagascar to Taiwan, but the species was discovered in Australian waters for the first time during the recent expeditions, Taylor and colleagues say. This specimen is missing a front claw, which could have been lost in a previous battle or during the collection process.

For the research cruises, the scientists spent three weeks at a time at sea, trawling 24 hours a day in 12-hour shifts, said expedition member Anna McCullum, also of Museum Victoria. The team collected specimens from depths ranging from 328 feet (100 meters) to 3,280 feet (1,000 meters).

(See related pictures of some of the hundreds of new species recently found off Tasmania.)

Published November 29, 2010

Wood-Munching Lobster

Photograph courtesy Joanne Taylor

Previously found in waters around Japan, Indonesia, Fiji, and Taiwan, the squat lobster Munidopsis andamanica is best known for the 2009 discovery that the species feeds on logs and branches that have fallen to the ocean floor.

Now known to live in Australian waters, too, M. andamanica seems to use its powerful teeth to grind up seafloor wood, producing enzymes in its stomach to digest the fibrous material. (Related pictures: "New Armored, Wood-Eating Catfish Found in Amazon.")

Published November 29, 2010

Death Grip

Photograph courtesy Joanne Taylor

Although the squat lobster species Munidopsis kenselyi had previously been found in Australian waters, the new expeditions have extended the species' range.

Like those of other squat lobsters, M. kenselyi's formidable claws probably help the animal snatch prey or intimidate rival males. The claws may come in handy for one other purpose, Taylor added: "Some species hold onto their females whilst mating in a loving embrace ... at least we hope it's loving!"

(See a picture of a blind lobster with "terrible" claws.)

Published November 29, 2010

New, Pale Lobster

Photograph courtesy Joanne Taylor

Found about 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) below the ocean's surface off northwestern Australia, the pale squat lobster Munidopsis vesper is entirely new to science.

It's not unusual for deeper dwelling lobsters to be more dully colored, Taylor said: "Presumably color isn't so important to the animals living at depth, where it is dark and they use other stimuli to find mates and avoid predation."

(Related pictures: "Surprising Creatures Found Deep off Australia.")

Published November 29, 2010