Common name: small European locust lobster
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
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumArthropodsArthropoda
- ClassMalacostracansMalacostraca
- OrderDecapodsDecapoda
- FamilySlipper LobstersScyllaridae
- GenusSlipper LobsterScyllarus
- Speciessmall European locust lobsterScyllarus 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.