#malacostracans

[uncharismatic-fauna]

The Novel Norway Lobster

Nephrops norvegicus, better known as the Norway lobster, the Dublin Bay lobster, or in its culinary form as langoustine or scampi, is a small lobster found all along the European coast in the Atlantic ocean, from Norway and Iceland to Portugal, as well as the Adriatic Sea. They reside in muddy seabeds at up to 800 m (0.5 mi) below the surface.

Norway lobsters spend most of their time digging, maintaining, and hiding in their burrows, which are built about 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) deep in the mud. When they do leave their burrows, it is only to forage or mate. Like many lobsters, N. norvegicus is an omnivore; they feed on anything they can find, including carrion, worms, fish, jellyfish, and other crustaceans. Predators include larger crustaceans, such as shore crabs, cod, stingrays, and small spotted catsharks.

The breeding period for Dublin Bay lobsters depends on the population's location and the temperature of the water, but generally takes place in late winter or spring. Females typically mate with 2-3 males, and carries 1000-5000 eggs under her tail for 8 to 9 months. After hatching, the planktonic larvae drift through the ocean for about two months, during which time they rise to the surface at night and descend to the ocean floor during the day. After settling on the bottom, juveniles undergo a molt before becoming fully mature. Afterwards, adults typically undergo 1-2 molts every year, and can live up to 10 years in the wild.

N. norvegicus is typically pink or orange in color, with a white underbelly and a darker stripe along the upper part of the claw. Adults can reach up to 20 cm (8 in) in length including the claws, which can comprise up to half that length. Its large eyes are exceptionally sensitive to light, and Norway lobsters are rarely seen during the daytime.

Conservation status: The Dublin Bay lobster is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is commonly harvested for food, and populations are monitored closely.

Photos

Sue Scott

Institute of Marine Research

Hans Hillewaert

[rattyexplores]

Hiding

Unidentified, family Armadillidae

19/07/22

[ventingmythoughtsout]

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

One of the first new discoveries of 2025, this giant isopod is strong with the force! Bathynomus vaderi, named for its superficial resemblance to the infamous Star Wars character Darth Vader, was discovered in the South China sea, and the paper giving the species its name was published on January 15. To date it is one of the largest giant isopod species, at 1 kg (2.2 pounds) in weight and up to 32.5 centimeters (12.8 inches) long!

(Image: A close up of Bathynomus vaderi by Nguyen Thanh Son)

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

Although they might look funny, most predators won't mess with the clown isopod! So named for their colorful markings, Armadillidium klugii's bright yellow or white dots are actually a form of mimicry called aposematism. In this case, they are meant to resemble the spots of the quite deadly Mediterranean black widow spider. However, the isopod itself is actually quite harmless.

(Image: A clown isopod (Armadillidium klugii) by Anton Gjeldum)

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

Louse got your tongue? No, it's the tongue-eating louse! As its name implies, this isopod is a parasite of fish; females latch onto a fish's tongue and cut off the blood vessels until the tongue falls off completely. The female tongue-eating louse then takes the place of the tongue, helping itself to any food that the fish might eat, as well as mucus produced in the fish's mouth.

(Image: A tongue-eating louse (Cymothoa exigua) resting on a fish's head by Marco Vinci)

Bonus image under the cut of a tongue-eating louse living up to its name!

(Image: A saddleback anemonefish (Amphiprion polymnus) carrying a tongue-biter isopod parasite (Cymothoa exigua) by Mike Veitch)

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

If you need a bottle opened, look no further than Capropodocerus kamaitachi! A relative of sandhoppers, this species was discovered in 2023 by Yu Matsumoto et al. It's only 5.4 mm (0.21 in) long, and is currently known to reside in the Kumano Sea at depths of 840–873 m (2755-2864 ft). It's large claws, also known as gnathopods, are used to grab food or grasp mates.

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

Shrimp don't have skeletons, but don't tell that to the skeleton shrimp! The common name for this group of amphipods accurately describes the thin, delicate structure of their bodies, which helps them to effectively hide among seaweeds and corals. Due to their pale, ephemeral appearance, these shrimps are also sometimes known as ghost shrimp!

(Image: A photo of Caprella acanthifera by Chris Isaacs)