Palibythus

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Palibythus magnificus, often called the musical furry lobster, is a rare species of furry lobster found in Polynesia. Its conservation status is Data Deficient (IUCN 3.1).

Classification and name
It belongs to the animal kingdom, the phylum Arthropoda, the class Malacostraca, the order Decapoda, the suborder Pleocyemata, the family Palinuridae, and the genus Palibythus. The species name is magnificus, described by Davie in 1990.

Where it lives
Palibythus magnificus is known from around Samoa and the Tuamotu Archipelago. It lives at depths of about 90 to 300 meters (300–980 feet) and can reach up to about 27 cm (11 inches) in length. All known museum specimens come from Samoa, with only photos from the Tuamotu that are almost certainly this species. In Samoan, it is called ula moana.

What makes it special
Like other spiny lobsters, Palibythus magnificus can make a loud screeching noise to deter predators. It does this by rubbing small structures at the base of its antennae against raised ridges on the sides of its antennular plate.

Relationship to other lobsters
Palibythus was once grouped with Palinurellus in a separate family called Synaxidae because of a triangular rostrum and the absence of certain horns. But genetic relationships show that Palibythus is not closely related to Palinurellus. Its closest living relatives are the Panulirus and Palinurus genera, while Palinurellus is closer to Jasus and Projasus, which also lack the stridulating organ.

Is it fished?
Even though Palibythus magnificus is large enough to be eaten, its rarity and deep habitat mean there is no commercial fishery today.