Marine Species Identification Portal : Red slipper lobster

(Herklots, 1851)

Diagnosis:
Tubercles on the carapace low and blunt, entire sculpturation less pronounced and sharp than in S. latus. Anterolateral tooth of fourth antennal segment although sometimes somewhat hooked, not twisted up. Carpus of first pereiopod with a distinct dorsal groove, and without a conspicuous basal swelling. First abdominal somite with three circular or irregular widely separated red spots. Pleura of second abdominal somite ending in a sharp somewhat posteriorly directed point; outline of posterior margin concave in the middle through the presence of a strong tooth. Fourth abdominal segment of adult specimen not conspicuously higher than third.

Type:
Type locality: "prope Boutry" [ = Butri, Ghana, 4°50'N 1°56'W]. Lectotype male in RMNH, no. D.'973.

Geographical Distribution:
Eastern Central Atlantic region: West Africa from northern Senegal (St. Louis, 16°N) to southern Angola (Ponta do Pinda, 15°45'5).

Habitat and Biology:
Found mostly in depths between 5 and 70 m, but also reported from deeper waters (beyond 200 m); on substrates of sand and rock, sometimes on mud.

Size:
Maximum total body length about 32 cm, usually not more than 25 cm.

Interest to Fisheries:
Minor. The species is fished for food everywhere it occurs; it usually is caught in vertical nets, sometimes in trawls. There is no special fishery for it, it is taken only accidentally. It is marketed fresh on the local markets.

Red slipper lobster (Scyllarides herklotsii)