Animal Species:Balmain Bug
The Balmain Bug is a type of slipper lobster and is closely related to the rock lobsters. It is a popular, edible crustacean common throughout Sydney fish markets and fish shops.
Balmain Bug lying on sand
Dr Isobel Bennett
© Australian Museum
Alternative Name/s
Flapjack, Slipper Lobster, Butterfly Fan Lobster
Identification
The Balmain Bug has no pincers and uses its short, wide antennae to dig into sand and mud on the ocean floor in search of food.
Size range
7 cm
Distribution
The Balmain Bug is found from Southport in Queensland, through to New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania to Geraldton in Western Australia. Also found in New Zealand.
Habitat
The Balmain Bug lives in the ocean at depths of 20 m - 500 m.
Classification
- Species:
- peronii
- Genus:
- Ibacus
- Subfamily:
- Ibacinae
- Family:
- Scyllaridae
- Infraorder:
- Palinura
- Order:
- Decapoda
- Class:
- Malacostraca
- Subphylum:
- Crustacea
- Phylum:
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Last Updated:
Tags crustaceans, arthropods, invertebrates, identification, edible, seafood, wildlife of sydney,