Thenus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thenus orientalis |
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The flathead lobster, also known as the Moreton Bay bug (scientific name: Thenus orientalis), is a type of slipper lobster. These interesting creatures live in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. They are known for their unique flat bodies.
What's in a Name?
Thenus orientalis has many different common names. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization calls it the flathead lobster. In Australia, its official name is the Bay lobster.
However, most people in Australia know it as the Moreton Bay bug. This name comes from Moreton Bay, which is a large bay near Brisbane, Queensland. In Singapore, these lobsters are often called "crayfish." They are a popular ingredient in many Singaporean dishes.
Telling Them Apart
Sometimes, the Moreton Bay bug is confused with another similar creature, the Balmain bug (Ibacus peronii). But there's an easy way to tell them apart! Look at their eyes. The Balmain bug's eyes are closer to the middle of its body. The Moreton Bay bug's eyes are on the very edge of its shell.
Appearance and Size
The Moreton Bay bug has a very flat body. It can grow up to 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) long. Its main shell, called the carapace, can be up to 8 centimeters (about 3 inches) long. This flat shape helps it hide and move along the ocean floor.
Where They Live
Thenus orientalis lives across a wide area. You can find them in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. Their home ranges from the east coast of Africa, including the southern Red Sea, all the way to Natal.
They also live in China, the Persian Gulf, southern Japan, and the Philippines. Along the northern coast of Australia, they are found from Western Australia to Queensland. Fishermen also catch them in smaller numbers off the coasts of Malaysia and Singapore.
