Olive squat lobsters are very common on the rocky shore, although they spend most of their time hiding under stones and boulders on the lower shore and in shallow water. When disturbed, they will use their tail to clap themselves backwards and escape.
How to identify
This species is much smaller than the spiny squat lobster, with an olive brown body, with paler green lines across the body. Two long, brown claws stick out in front, with large spikes along their insides.
Did you know?
Squat lobsters are more closely related to hermit crabs than they are to true crabs or lobsters!
How people can help
Always follow the Seashore Code when rockpooling, taking care where you walk and making sure you put animals and rocks back gently.
