Thenus
Thenus is a genus of slipper lobsters belonging to the family Scyllaridae. Slipper lobsters are distinguished from spiny lobsters by their flattened bodies and lack of prominent spines. The genus Thenus is found in the tropical Indo-Pacific region and is known for its large size and economic importance as a food source.
Common Names
Species within the genus Thenus are known by various common names depending on their location and language. Some common names include:
- Slipper lobster
- Flat lobster
- Ise ebi (Japanese)
- Langouste (French)
Characteristics
Thenus species share several characteristics, including:
- Flattened body: Slipper lobsters have a flattened body shape, unlike spiny lobsters which have a more cylindrical body.
- Large size: Species in Thenus can grow to significant sizes, with some reaching over 30 cm in length.
- Short antennae: The antennae are short and stout, unlike the long whip-like antennae of spiny lobsters.
- Powerful claws: The first pair of legs are modified into powerful claws used for capturing prey.
- Brightly colored: Thenus species can be brightly colored, with hues of orange, red, and brown.
Environments
Thenus species are found in various marine environments, typically in shallow to moderate depths, on rocky reefs, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. They are often found in areas with strong currents and abundant prey.
References
For more information, see: