Galathea spp.

Researched By	Dan Bayley	Data Supplied By
Refereed by	This information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific name	Galathea spp.	Common name	A squat lobster
MCS Code	S1470	Recent Synonyms
Phylum	Arthropoda	Subphylum	Crustacea
Superclass		Class	Malacostraca
Subclass	Eumalacostraca	Order	Decapoda
Suborder	Pleocyemata	Family	Galatheidae
Genus	Galathea	Species
Subspecies
Additional Information
Taxonomy References	Hayward & Ryland, 1995b
General Biology
Growth form		Feeding method	Grazer (surface/substratum), Detritivore, Scavenger
Mobility/Movement	Crawler	Environmental position	Epibenthic
Typical food types	Detritus, algae	Habit
Bioturbator		Flexibility
Fragility		Size	Small-medium(3-10cm)
Height		Growth Rate
Adult dispersal potential		Dependency
Sociability
Toxic/Poisonous?	No
Additional Information
Biology References	Lebour, 1930, Lebour, 1931, Bull, 1937, Newell & Newell, 1977
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & Ireland	All Great Britain
Global distribution	Mediterranean to Scandinavia.
Biogeographic range		Depth range	10 - 600 m dependent on species.
Migratory
Distribution Additional Information	Galathea nexa uncommon and restricted to south and west coasts of the Britsish Isles.
Substratum preferences		Physiographic preferences
Biological zone		Wave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flow		Salinity
Habitat Additional Information
Distribution References	Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Bull, 1937
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type		Developmental mechanism	Brooding, Planktotrophic
Reproductive Season		Reproductive Location
Reproductive frequency		Regeneration potential	No
Life span	3-5 years	Age at reproductive maturity	<1 year
Generation time		Fecundity	30 - 600
Egg/propagule size		Fertilization type	Internal
Larvae/Juveniles Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential Larval settlement period April - August Duration of larval stage 6 months
Additional Information
Reproduction References	Lebour, 1930, Lebour, 1931, Newell & Newell, 1977