Squat Lobster
Grimothea princeps
Despite their name, squat lobsters are not lobsters but rather a relative of the hermit crab. These scavengers are known for their large claws and a tail that curls under their body.
Originally published: May 15, 2013
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Credit: Perry Hampton / Aquarium of Pacific
SPECIES IN DETAIL
Squat Lobster
Grimothea princeps
CONSERVATION STATUS: Not evaluated
CLIMATE CHANGE: Uncertain
Geographic Distribution
Northern Pacific Ocean, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan.”
Habitat
They are found on the sea floor in rocky canyons at depths of 89-452 m (292- 1483 ft).
Physical Characteristics
Squat lobsters resemble much smaller, flatter lobsters with large claws, a curled tail, and ten legs.
Size
2.9-6.3 cm (1.3-2.5 in) in length.
Diet
Squat lobsters are scavengers, feeding on scraps of large prey and leftovers.
Reproduction
The male lobster transfers sperm to the female, who lays eggs. She carries the fertilized eggs on her abdomen for several months until they hatch. The larvae go through many stages of development before becoming adults.
Behavior
They can squeeze into tight spaces to keep themselves safe from predators, leaving only their claws out to catch food or defend themselves.
Adaptation
Like other crustaceans, squat lobsters don’t grow with their shell. When they get too big, they shed their old shell (a process called molting) and make a new larger one underneath.
Longevity
The lifespan of this species is unknown.
Conservation
This species has not been evaluated by the IUCN.
Special Notes
The squat lobster’s arms can be many times longer their body.
SPECIES IN DETAIL | Print full entry
Squat Lobster
Grimothea princeps
CONSERVATION STATUS: Not evaluated
CLIMATE CHANGE: Uncertain
Northern Pacific Ocean, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan.”
They are found on the sea floor in rocky canyons at depths of 89-452 m (292- 1483 ft).
Squat lobsters resemble much smaller, flatter lobsters with large claws, a curled tail, and ten legs.
2.9-6.3 cm (1.3-2.5 in) in length.
Squat lobsters are scavengers, feeding on scraps of large prey and leftovers.
The male lobster transfers sperm to the female, who lays eggs. She carries the fertilized eggs on her abdomen for several months until they hatch. The larvae go through many stages of development before becoming adults.
They can squeeze into tight spaces to keep themselves safe from predators, leaving only their claws out to catch food or defend themselves.
Like other crustaceans, squat lobsters don’t grow with their shell. When they get too big, they shed their old shell (a process called molting) and make a new larger one underneath.
The lifespan of this species is unknown.
This species has not been evaluated by the IUCN.
The squat lobster’s arms can be many times longer their body.