No, the creature depicted above is not some AI abomination combining a scorpion and a lobster.
It's actually yet another odd looking creature like the countless sett I have shared here in my blog.
Meet Thalassina anomala, commonly known as the sco orpion mud lobster for obvious reasons 😅
The species occurs in the Indo-West Pacific region in coastal and estuarine habitats across the Indo-Pacific region and after doing a bit of digging it seems like it's a really common creature in the are.
They are burrowing animals known to create extensive tunnel systems in mangrove forests and intertidal mudflats. Their burrowing activity has an important role in aerating the soil.
Despite their common name, they are more related to shrimps and crawfish. But they do have a tough shell, much like lobsters.
Sizewise, they are 16 to 20 cm (6.3–7.9 in) long although there have been some reported specimens of up to 30 centimetres!
Anyways, I think I will stop rewording at this point the info I found on Wikipedia. Just another cool and odd looking creature I recently heard about and figured to share 😁
I'll close now with some videos I found on YouTube for your viewing pleasur. Some come with annoying music so keep that in mind before hitting the plat button:
There's also this mini documentary with photos and some video footage
Ok frens, this is it for today!
See you soon with more crazy critters from mother nature 🤯