What’s in a name? Squat lobsters, despite their name and appearance, are not considered true lobsters. They are more closely related to hermit crabs, though they are not true crabs either. More than 900 species of squat lobsters have been named by scientists, and it’s possible that many more have not yet been found.
Squat lobsters don’t need to carry shells on their backs like their hermit crab relatives. Thanks to their flat bodies and small size ranging from 0. 7 to 3. 5 inches in length, they are able to protect themselves by hiding in crevices and underneath rocks. Their claws are large, sharp, and can grow to be twice as long as their bodies. To protect their space and possibly catch prey that swims by unaware, squat lobsters leave their claws out while they hide in these small spaces. These brightly colored crustaceans have ten legs and long antennae that help them find things around them and stay away from other squat lobsters.
Squat lobsters live throughout the global ocean, except for very cold Arctic and Antarctic waters. Most species live in large groups and can be found in canyons, seamounts, and hydrothermal vents on the deep sea floor. Juveniles sometimes visit the water column to prey upon blooms of plankton. Some types of squat lobsters can be found throughout the National Marine Sanctuary System. You might find species that live from Alaska to Baja California in one or more of the West Coast sanctuaries. These are the Olympic Coast, Cordell Bank, Greater Farallones, Monterey Bay, and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuaries.
Because squat lobsters come from so many different species and live in such a wide range of places, their diets are very different. For the most part, squat lobsters are opportunistic feeders that will eat whatever they can find and catch. In addition to plankton and algae, they may eat other crustaceans, marine worms, bacteria from hydrothermal vents, and even dead plants and animals. The species M. andamanica exclusively feeds on a diet of driftwood from sources like sunken trees and shipwrecks. Squat lobsters use their claws to dig through the sand for food.
Squat lobsters are usually eaten by big fish, but other animals can also eat them, depending on the species and ecosystem. Animals that live near big corals have been known to steal and eat the slime that protects the corals as a way to stay safe. They also spread their pincers to scare off would-be invaders.
The reproductive behavior of most squat lobster species is not well understood. We know that these animals, like other crustaceans, lay eggs that hatch into larvae. The larvae then grow into squat lobsters that are both juvenile and adult. It is unknown how long most types of squat lobsters live, but some species around the world are thought to live between four and eight years.
Even though fish are the squat lobster’s main natural enemy, people also eat and use these animals. Squat lobsters aren’t caught very often, possibly because they’re so small. But they can be used in seafood dishes, as feed for chicken and salmon farms, and to make cheese. The current conservation status for squat lobsters is “Least Concern.” However, overfishing, climate and ocean changes, and marine pollution could all have an effect on their populations.
Squat lobsters, also known as langostinos or langostino lobsters are delicious crustaceans that many seafood lovers rave about. Their sweet tender meat has a similar texture and flavor to lobster, making them a great and often more affordable alternative. Though they look intimidating with their spiny exoskeletons and multiple legs, eating squat lobsters is actually quite simple once you know how to properly prepare them. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to enjoy these tasty morsels like a pro.
Buying and Storing Squat Lobsters
When buying live squat lobsters, look for specimens that are lively and energetic. Their tails should curl tightly under their bodies. Avoid any that appear limp or lethargic. Fresh, whole squat lobsters are ideal but you can also find frozen and thawed langostinos at many seafood markets and grocery stores.
Store live squat lobsters in a breathable bag in the coldest part of your fridge until ready to cook Don’t keep them for more than a day or two as they will slowly perish Frozen squat lobsters can be stored for 2-3 months in the freezer, Thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking,
Preparing Squat Lobsters for Cooking
Once ready to cook, start by removing the rubber bands around the claws, if any. Rinse the squat lobsters under cold running water. Using kitchen shears or sharp scissors, cut lengthwise through the back of the shell. This will allow the meat to cook more evenly. Remove and discard the intestinal vein that runs along the length of the tail. Rinse again. The squat lobsters are now prepped and ready for cooking.
Cooking Methods for Squat Lobsters
There are several ways to cook squat lobsters that all yield delicious results:
Boiling
This is the simplest cooking method. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Gently lower the squat lobsters in and cook for 2-3 minutes until the shells turn bright red. Drain and serve with melted butter or dipping sauce.
Steaming
Place the squat lobsters in a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cover and steam for 3-5 minutes until opaque and cooked through. This moist heat method keeps them tender.
Grilling
Thread squat lobster tails onto skewers, brush with oil or marinade, and grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side Serve with grilled lemon wedges.
Sautéing
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook halved or chopped squat lobster pieces for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until opaque. Season with garlic, lemon, herbs, etc.
Baking
Arrange squat lobsters in a baking dish, brush with oil or butter, and season as desired. Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until shells turn red and meat is cooked through.
No matter which cooking method you choose, be careful not to overcook squat lobsters or the meat can become rubbery. Just a few minutes over heat is sufficient.
Eating and Serving Squat Lobster
Once cooked, use your hands, a seafood fork, or lobster crackers to extract the tasty meat from the squat lobster tails, claws, and legs. Discard the empty shells. Eat the langostinos as is, dip in melted butter, or use in your favorite seafood recipes.
The sweet meat lends itself well to pastas, tacos, risotto, soups, salads, and more. Chopped or minced squat lobster also makes a delicious filling for sandwiches, crepes, fritters, and other appetizers. Don’t be afraid to get creative with this versatile ingredient!
When serving squat lobsters for guests, provide small plates for discarding shells, lobster crackers or nut crackers to assist in getting the meat out, and lemon wedges for squeezing over the langostinos. Offer melted butter, creamy sauces, or zesty salsas as dipping options to complement the natural flavor.
With their succulent texture and mildly sweet taste, squat lobsters are sure to be a hit at your next seafood dinner or event. Just follow these simple preparation and cooking steps to enjoy these “little lobsters” like an expert. Once you get the hang of eating them, langostinos will likely become one of your new favorite seafood treats!
Can You Eat These? (normally bycatch) “Squat Lobster”
FAQ
Are squat lobsters edible?
What does a squat lobster taste like?
How do you cook squat lobster tails?
What is the main difference between squat lobsters and regular lobsters?
What is a squat lobster?
Squat lobsters are dorsoventrally flattened crustaceans with long tails held curled beneath the cephalothorax. They are found in the two superfamilies Galatheoidea and Chirostyloidea, which form part of the decapod infraorder Anomura, alongside groups including the hermit crabs and mole crabs.
Are squat lobsters a crab?
Also called Galatheid crabs, squat lobsters are not lobsters; they are crabs and are most closely related to porcelain and hermit crabs. Widely distributed worldwide, there are 60 genera and over 900 species. Scientists estimate that as many as 120 species may not yet have been discovered. Two species are found in California waters.
Where do squat lobsters live?
The largest populations of Squat Lobsters can be found in the Atlantic Ocean. Chirostylids live mostly in deep water and have long, slender legs. 75% of all Squat Lobster species are of the family and can be found anywhere from reefs to deep trenches. Munida is the largest genus of Squat Lobsters with over 240 species. 9.
What do squat lobsters eat?
The species M. andamanica exclusively feeds on a diet of driftwood from sources like sunken trees and shipwrecks. To feed, squat lobsters use their claws to scoop up and sift through sand in search of anything edible. Large fish are the most common natural predator of squat lobsters, though there are others depending on the species and ecosystem.