The Pygmy Locust Lobster, the smallest of the slipper lobsters, has a carapace length of 11.5 millimeters for females and 10 millimeters for males. The total body length can reach up to 55 millimeters but is typically less than 40 millimeters. Its body is pale brownish or pinkish with patches of darker hairs.
Key identifying features include:
A groove lined with hairs on the anterior part of the abdominal tergites.
A rounded, backward-pointing tip on the second abdominal sternite.
A conical tubercle on the fifth thoracic somite.
The posterior part of the first abdominal somite is wider in the center than at the edges.
Pygmy Locust Lobsters are native to the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. They inhabit depths ranging from 5 to 100 meters, favoring Posidonia meadows in shallower waters. These nocturnal creatures spend their days hiding in caves and rocky crevices, coming out at night to feed.
Size and Fisheries: Due to its small size, the Pygmy Locust Lobster is not targeted by fisheries.
Behavior: This species is nocturnal, often hiding during the day and emerging at night.
Reproduction: Females carry eggs in June and August.
Confusion with Other Species: Often confused with young individuals of Scyllarus arctus, they can be distinguished by specific morphological characteristics.
Malta offers excellent diving spots where you can encounter the Pygmy Locust Lobster in its natural habitat. Notable locations include:
Billingshurst Cave Site: Located near Reqqa Point on Gozo’s north coast, this cave offers ideal conditions for spotting these small lobsters.
Cathedral Cave: Situated on Gozo’s west coast, this cave is known for its diverse marine life and is a great spot for observing the Pygmy Locust Lobster.
Blue Hole Near Dwejra on Gozo’s west coast, the Blue Hole is a popular dive site with rocky crevices perfect for finding these elusive creatures.
Exploring these sites provides divers with an opportunity to witness the beauty and behavior of the Pygmy Locust Lobster in its natural habitat, adding an extra layer of excitement to the diving experience in Gozo.
