Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is proud to announce the exhibition of the red-banded lobster for the first time in this aquarium!
 

≪Red-banded lobster≫
Scientific name：Metanephrops thomsoni

The red-banded lobster is a species of Metanephrops lobster which are commonly known as scampi. In Japan, they are distributed from the Tosa Bay to Kyusyu and southwards to Okinawa. This red-banded lobster is a close relative to Metanephrops japonicus and Metanephrops sagamiensis, but the red-banded lobster is very rarely seen in an aquarium. There are vivid red and white patterns on its pincers, and it is smaller than other species in the genus.

Place of exhibit

Small Life in the Deep Sea in the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Size of Exhibit

One individual, about 20cm in length (From the tips of its claws to the end of its tail)
*Exhibit may close depending on the condition of the animals.

This red-banded lobster was discovered in March 2020 by a ROV (remotely operated vehicle) during a deep-sea survey. It was living in a muddy area at a depth of around 350 meters offshore of the main island of Okinawa. The ROV was able to successfully record its behavior including it hiding in its burrow. 
In July 2020, we returned to the same location and brought the red-banded lobster back to exhibit this species for the first time in this aquarium. This is a rare opportunity to see a red-banded lobster.

We hope to continue surveying the waters of Okinawa, and through rearing, shed light on the ecology of rare deep-sea creatures.