New Lobster Species Named After Nelson Mandela

Posted on January 14, 2014

A new species of squat lobster has been named after Nelson Mandela. The lobster was discovered in 2011 by Diva Amon, a PhD student based at the Natural History Museum, London. The lobster, Munidopsis mandelai, was discovered in deep water off South Africa. The lobster is said to be a relation of hermit crabs. The small lobster has a carapace that is just 7mm long.

Dr. Amon and Museum invertebrates researcher Dr. Paul Clark consulted Dr. Enrique Macpherson of the Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Blanes in Spain for help identifying the lobster. Dr. Macpherson confirmed it to be a new species, and all three agreed on the name of Munidopsis mandelai.

Dr. Clark said in the announcement, "We thought it would be a fitting tribute to name this find in honour of Mr. Mandela, a remarkable man."


More from Science Space & Robots

  • Boston Dynamics Teases New Electric Atlas Humanoid Robot


  • Researchers Observe Many New Species on Seamounts Off Chile Coast


  • CSU Researchers Forecast Extremely Active Atlantic Hurricane Season


  • Hyundai Motor and Kia Unveil DAL-e Delivery Robot


  • H5N1 Discovered at Texas Egg Facility




  • Latest Tech Products

  • Apple Mac Mini with M4 Chip
  • Apple iPad Mini A17 Pro