Ryan Photographic - Scyllaridae - Slipper lobsters
Family Scyllaridae
The family Scyllaridae contains 194 species in 25 genera. Their common name of slipper lobsters is somewhat inaccurate as they are not closely related to the "true" lobsters. Slipper lobsters are characterized by broad flat antennae that look like plates. They lack chelae. The family is widely distributed in warm coastal waters.
Slipper lobsters feed on a wide variety of benthic organisms (depending, in part, on the species involved) including molluscs, echinoderms and polychaetes. They are considered a delicacy, particularly in Australia where "Morton Bay bugs" and "Balmoral bugs" often feature in sea food restaurants.
Parribacus antarcticus Sculptured Slipper lobster
Parribacus antarcticus Sculptured Slipper lobster, Glover's Reef, Belize-3348
Parribacus antarcticus Sculptured Slipper lobsters, Glover's Reef, Belize-3351
Parribacus antarcticus Sculptured Slipper lobster horizontal Belize
Scyllarides astori, Rock slipper lobster
Scyllarides astori, Rock slipper lobster, Sea of Cortez IMG_5507
Scyllarides astori, Rock slipper lobster, Sea of Cortez-5504