Family: Scyllaridae
Scientific Name: Parribacus antarcticus
Other Common Names: Sculptured Slipper Lobster, with all slipper species commonly referred to as "Bulldozer Lobsters".
Hawaiian Name: 'Ula-papapa, meaning flat lobster, with this name applying to all slipper lobsters in Hawai'i.
Distribution: This, as well as other similar species are found in Hawaiian, Indo-Pacific, Caribbean and tropical Atlantic waters.
Average Size: To about 7 inches in total lenth, but most are smaller.
Habitat: Less associated with hiding in caves and overhangs like others of its kind, the Brown Slipper Lobster can be found in the open on the tops of reefs.
Minimum Tank Size Suggested: 100 gallons or larger.
Characteristics: One of Hawai'i's most common slipper species, it is found singly, and sometimes congregating in small groups. It particularly blends in well with rocky substrate environments, and being camouflaged so well, this make it a difficult lobster to see.
Diet: Like all slipper lobsters, this species is a scavenger, and a carnivore that preys on small invertebrates and crustaceans, such as snails, clams, worms, crabs, and shrimps, as well as fishes, if an opportunity presents itself.
Reef Tank Suitability: Generally safe with all types of corals, but because of its destructive "bulldozing" nature it may topple rock structures over, rearrange or push corals around, as well as climb over them causing damage.
Although this lobster may be considered a somewhat smaller slipper species, in a crowded reef environment it tends to grow too large. The Brown Slipper Lobster is best kept in a tank devoted to it, or recommended only for a very large reef tank system.
