Found in sandy bottom from 4-280m in depth.
Balmain bugs are a type of slipper lobster, closely related to rock lobsters. They are occasionally encountered by recreational divers or fishers, but more commonly seen on commercial scallop vessels.
These slipper lobsters are safe to handle but take care around the tail which has sharp edges.
Usually boiled in a similar manner to rock lobster, Balmain bugs have most of their meat in the tail.