Common name: small European locust lobster

Scientific name: Scyllarus arctus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Small European locust lobster (Scyllarus arctus).

General information

The Ciliated Slipper Lobster, Scyllarus arctus, is a fascinating marine invertebrate known for its distinctive flattened body and broad antennae, which resemble a pair of paddles. Unlike their clawed lobster relatives, slipper lobsters have a more benthic lifestyle, spending much of their time hiding under rocks or within crevices during the day. They are nocturnal and emerge at night to feed.

Their coloration is typically a mottled brown or reddish-brown, which provides excellent camouflage against the rocky seafloor. This species is not as commonly kept in home aquariums as some other invertebrates, but it can be a unique addition for experienced hobbyists with larger systems.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
12 cm (5″)
Care level
Moderate to easy
Diet
Omnivore
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Arthropods
    Arthropoda
  3. Class
    Malacostracans
    Malacostraca
  4. Order
    Decapods
    Decapoda
  5. Family
    Slipper Lobsters
    Scyllaridae
  6. Genus
    Slipper Lobster
    Scyllarus
  7. Species
    small European locust lobster
    Scyllarus arctus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Care

Ciliated Slipper Lobsters require a spacious tank with plenty of live rock to provide hiding places and to mimic their natural habitat. They are sensitive to water quality, so maintaining pristine conditions with stable parameters is crucial. They are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including meaty foods like shrimp, fish, and mollusk flesh, as well as some plant matter.

It's important to note that slipper lobsters can grow quite large, up to 14 centimeters in length, and they may become territorial. They should not be housed with small fish or invertebrates that they might prey upon.

Reproduction

In the wild, Ciliated Slipper Lobsters have a complex mating ritual that involves a courtship dance. After mating, the female carries the fertilized eggs on her abdomen until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding slipper lobsters is quite challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists.

Symbiosis

While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships, slipper lobsters do play a role in the ecosystem by scavenging and helping to keep the reef clean.

Habitat

Scyllarus arctus is found in the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the Eastern Atlantic, from the British Isles to the Azores and Senegal. They typically inhabit rocky substrates and seagrass beds from shallow waters to depths of about 70 meters.