Langostino Habitat

The oceans are full of strange and wonderful creatures. Whales, dolphins, sharks, rays; some are so well-known and respected that people pay to see them. But there's another, more alien creature that you probably won't recognize. And, believe it or not, it's one you've probably eaten at least once in your life. It's the Langostino, and it shares very familiar territory with one of the world's most coveted seafood products.

  1. Basics

    • Langostino lobsters, or sometimes called Squat lobsters, are a type of decapod crustacean belonging to the Galatheidae and Chirostylidae families. In reality, it is not a lobster at all, and has much more in common with the popular household pet, hermit crabs. At present, there are over 850 described species. They're often sold at fast food establishments as "Langostino lobster" as an inexpensive substitute for standard clawed lobster. They are, like lobsters, saltwater organisms, not to be confused with common crayfish, which inhabit freshwater.

    Other Meanings

    • In the United States, Langostinos are a reference to Squat lobsters, as mentioned above. In Spain, however, the name refers to some types of prawn, while in Cuba it's a reference to crayfish. In South America, the word refers to red shrimp. For the purpose of clarity, the Langostinos referenced in this article are of the American variety: Squat lobsters and certain porcelain crabs.

    Distribution

    • Langostinos are among the most widely distributed decapod on the planet, ranging from the South Pacific to the North Atlantic. Most of the Langostinos that are harvested for food (Squat lobsters) are fished from the Atlantic, much to the dismay of commercial fisherman who specialize in providing authentic lobster to food establishments.

    Habitat

    • Because the term Langostino encompasses many different types of porcelain crabs, their habitats are extremely diverse, ranging from shallow pools to deeper waters. Squat lobsters, which are the most commonly used Langostino, are known to inhabit coral reefs, sitting atop mounds waiting for food, and even down to abyssal depths. Some Langostinos reside near hydrothermal vents, and hide in rocky crevices, using their long pincers to snatch food.

    Reefs

    • It has recently been observed that some Langostinos spend their time sitting atop a coral formation known as Lophelia pertusa. These are tree-like formations common to the North Atlantic. Atop the Lophelia, Squat lobsters will sit silently, pincers out, and wait for catchable prey, which includes small fish, to swim by.

    Hydrothermal Vents

    • Hydrothermal vents are fissures at the bottom of the ocean, through which heated water is expelled. Langostinos frequent these areas, as they are relatively rich in biological diversity, while simultaneously the predator populace is at a minimum. They feed off of not only small fish, but worms and other crustaceans that may inhabit the deep.

    Controversy

    • Langostinos have long been the center of a controversy involving their use in commercial food products. Often times, their flesh is advertised as Langostino lobster or, occasionally, simply as a lobster when incorporated into other foods. In 2003, Maine's then-senator expressed public outrage at the Langostino fishing industry, calling the meat an imposter.