Description: This is the smallest of the squat lobsters found in Northern Ireland growing to a maximum total length of 2 cm. It is often uniform pink - red in colour and sometimes has a longitudinal stripe, although colouration can vary depending on habitat. There are six neon blue spots on the underside of their head, which are believed to be used for communication. There are two large spines at the base of the first pair of antennae (rather than the usual three). The front walking legs bear claws and are equal in length, with an overall length greater than the length of the body. The front of the carapace is narrow and has four blunt, unequal spines on either side, the last set of which is very small.

Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats, amongst stones and boulders, sand and muddy sediment, and macroalgae . Usually sublittoral but occasionally found on lower shore.

Distribution: Found all around coasts of Britain and while there are many records from Northern Ireland, few records exist from other Irish coasts - possibly under-recorded.

Similar Species: Could be confused with juveniles of other squat lobster species. Galathea intermedia has two spines at the base of antennae, rather than three.

Key Identification Features:

• Smallest of the squat lobsters.
• Pink-red in colour, sometimes with a longitudinal stripe.
• Six neon blue spots on underside of head.
• Narrow front to carapace with four unequal, blunt spines either side.
• Two spines at base of first pair of antennae.

Distribution Map from NBN: Galathea intermedia at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Galathea intermedia at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Galathea intermedia

WoRMS: Galathea intermedia at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Galathea intermedia Lilljeborg, 1851. AphiaID: 107150.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Arthropoda; Crustacea; Multicrustacea; Malacostraca; Eumalacostraca; Eucarida; Decapoda; Pleocyemata; Anomura; Galatheoidea; Galatheidae; Galathea