This is a flathead lobster (Thenus orientalis: 20 cms.); also called a slipper lobster. It can be found on sandy or muddy substrates adjacent to coral reefs in the Indo-West Pacific region. These crustaceans are highly prized as food by humans, who often refer to them incorrectly as crayfish. The eyes are at the margin of the thick carapace and two large antennae project upwards. The thoracic appendages take the form of robust legs. The species is said to have interesting pre-copulatory courtship rituals which, sadly, I have never had the privilege of witnessing. New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

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Size: 3811px × 2842px
Location: Bismarck Sea, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea
Photo credit: © Terence Dormer / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

Keywords: adventure, bismarck, coral, creation, crustacean, diving, flathead, guinea, ireland, life, lobster, marine, natural, orientalis, papua, reefs, scuba, sea, selection, slipper, thenus, trd5143