Scyllarides latus

Scyllarides latus, drawing by Cornelius Sittardus, 1558

The Great slipper lobster ( Scyllarides latus ) is a cancer of the family of lobsters ( Scyllaridae ).

Features

The Great Bears cancer reaches a length of up to 45 centimeters with a compact, stocky and flattened body. The tips of the antenna panels are sharp. In the back view of the segments of the abdomen are laterally tapered. The abdominal segments are laterally covered with strong sharp thorns.

Distribution and habitat

The type is in the Mediterranean ( except the northern Adriatic ), represented the eastern Atlantic (Canary Islands, Azores, West Africa) and in the Red Sea. The big slipper lobster inhabits primary and secondary hard floors. It is mainly found in columns, between boulders and small caves. The depth range is between 4 m and 100 m.

Behavior

Scyllarides latus is rare to find in an open environment. The species is nocturnal and shy. In general, the animals are loners, but they can also be seen in pairs or groups. The strong slipper lobster is not as sedate as he acts. In case of danger the animals are to be able to propose the tail compartments under the abdomen to get a flash wegzukatapultieren backwards. During the breeding season, the females carry a large number of deep red colored eggs that are firmly attached to the hind legs. Parental care is operated until hatching of the larvae.

Biology

The maximum body length is 45 cm. The basic color is light brown to reddish brown, the edges of the sheet-like second antennae have a blue-violet hem. The first antennae are also blue violet. In the Mediterranean, there are two genera with five species of slipper lobster family. Confusion with representatives of the other five species is not present in Scyllarides latus from the appearance and size ..

Hunting and

Due to the size and the specific entertainment features the animals are only suitable for species-appropriate aquaria. A normal home entertainment is not recommended.