Common name: ridged slipper lobster

General information

The Spanish Lobster, Scyllarides nodifer, is a fascinating species of slipper lobster. Unlike their clawed cousins, slipper lobsters have flattened, shovel-like antennae and a more robust carapace. They are nocturnal creatures, often hiding under rocks or within crevices during the day. Their mottled brown and tan coloration provides excellent camouflage against the reef.

Care

Caring for Spanish Lobsters in captivity requires a spacious tank with plenty of hiding places to mimic their natural habitat. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial with their own kind. It's important to provide a varied diet that includes meaty foods like fish, shrimp, and mollusks.

Reproduction

In the wild, Scyllarides nodifer engages in a unique mating ritual where the male deposits a spermatophore on the female's sternum. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and rarely successful due to their complex life cycle and larval requirements.

Symbiosis

While not known for specific symbiotic relationships, Spanish Lobsters contribute to the ecosystem by scavenging and helping to keep the reef clean.

Habitat

Spanish Lobsters are found in the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. They prefer rocky substrates and coral reefs, typically at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 500 meters.