Mud & Coral 'Lobsters'
These are typically clawed, burrow-dwelling animals that seem to be half-shrimp and half-lobster. They belong to the Infraorders Axiidea and Gebiidea, which include 12 families with over 100 species in Australian waters. These crustaceans occur in a wide variety of habitats, from the intertidal zone to the deep sea (2,500 metres or more). Some species burrow in estuarine mud banks (like the well-known marine Yabby or Ghost Nipper), while others live commensally in sponges and coral cavities. All are expert burrowers, and rarely seen unless hunted or accidentally disturbed.
Examples of the group include:
- Yabby or Ghost Nipper (Trypaea australiensis)
- Red Mud Lobster (Neaxius glyptocercus)
- Pink Mangrove Lobster (Laomedia healyi)
Subject categories
Share
Related topics
