slipper lobster 1

Scientific Name: Parribacus antarcticus
Common Name: Slipper lobster

Size: Up to 30 cm depending on species
Depth Range: 1 – 100 m
Habitat: Sandy bottoms, rocky crevices, coral reefs, and lagoons; often hides under rocks or ledges during the day
Diet: Opportunistic carnivore—feeds on mollusks, worms, small crustaceans, and carrion
Reproduction: Separate sexes; females carry eggs under their abdomen until they hatch into planktonic larvae
Fun Fact: Unlike true lobsters, slipper lobsters have no claws and no long antennae. Instead, they have broad, flat antennae that look like paddles, giving them a distinctive, armored appearance.

Observation Tip: Best seen at night when they emerge to forage. During the day, look under rocks or ledges with a torch—only the flat outline of their body or the edges of their antennae may be visible.