Biodiversity & Conservation

A squat lobster - Galathea intermedia

Galathea intermedia

Image Paul Newland - Squat lobster Galathea intermedia below a rocky overhang. Image width ca XX m.
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Distribution map

Galathea intermedia recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

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Galathea intermedia is not listed under any importance categories.

Taxonomy icon Taxonomy Taxon English term
Phylum Arthropoda Arthropods, joint-legged animals, e.g. insects, crustaceans & spiders
Class Malacostraca Crabs, lobsters, sand hoppers and sea slaters
Authority Liljeborg, 1851
Recent synonyms Galathea andrewsii, Galathea parroceli
Map icon Recorded Distribution in Britain and Ireland Common on all British coasts, particulalry common around West and South-east Scotland.
Habitat information icon Habitat information Galathea intermedia is found within the sub-littoral zone from 15 metres down to 25 metres.
Text page icon Description Galathea intermedia is the smallest of the eight UK squat lobster species at a maximum length of 18 mm and a carapace length up to 8.5 mm. It is normally a uniform salmon-pink colour and inhabits the sub- littoral zone often in groups found in shell/gravel crevices.
Identifying features
  • Carapace 8.5 mm and salmon-red.
  • Rostrum very narrow, with paired lateral teeth protruding slightly from edge.
  • Transverse post-rostral groove arched forward centrally.
  • Basal joint of antenna 1 bears two large spines instead of the usual three.
  • Small size, maximum length up to 18 mm.
  • conspicuous anterior coloration pattern consisting of six `neon' blue spots in the frontal region of the head.
Additional information icon Additional information

This review can be cited as follows:

Dan Bayley 2010. Galathea intermedia. A squat lobster. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 24/05/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/speciesinformation.php?speciesID=4795>