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Miami Herald

Can you spot the ‘lobster' in this photo? Tiny species found off South Africa

South Africa sits at the junction of the Southern, Indian and Atlantic oceans and the intersection of two major currents — one warm, the other cold — making it home to a 'remarkably diverse' array of marine life, according to experts. It is estimated that 13,000 different species of invertebrates alone inhabit those waters, including the brightly colored family of Galatheid squat lobsters — unusual, tiny creatures that look like a cross between a crab and a lobster It has been nearly 20 years since researchers surveyed squat lobster populations off the coast, with most records being 'dubious,' incomplete or lost, experts said. Now, a recent study published July 16 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa has confirmed the presence of several species never before recorded in the region, and one that is new to science. One unique species recorded in South African waters for the first time in decades was Allogalathea elegans, according to the study. This squat lobster is often found on the bodies of crinoids, or feather stars, and is known to mimic the coloring and patterns of their hosts, researchers said. Allogalathea elegans was first caught off the coast of South Africa in 1929 and briefly studied in 1950, according to researchers. Three other species, including Galathea hydrae, Galathea tanegashimae and Lauriea gardineri, were recorded for the first time in South Africa during the study, researchers said. The recent survey also helped to correct records of misidentified species, leading to the discovery of a new squat lobster named Galathea noboya, the study said. Noboya is a Xhosa word meaning 'fluffy' — a reference to its fuzzy-looking first set of legs, according to researchers. It is described as being orange with whitish spots and a white stripe down its back. It measures less than half an inch long, according to the study. Galathea noboya was discovered south of Mossel Bay at depths of about 250 feet, according to the study. 'Much remains to still be discovered' in South Africa's waters, researchers said in reference to the 'severely' understudied Galatheid family of squat lobsters. The researcher team included Thomas P.A. Botha, Charles L. Griffiths, Lara J. Atkinson and Enrique Macpherson.