Sebastian from Disney's The Little Mermaid is a crab, not a lobster. Specifically, the live-action version of the film confirms that Sebastian is a tropical ghost crab, a type of land-dwelling crab
. Although there has been some confusion fueled by Disney merchandise and the character's design, which has lobster-like features, Sebastian identifies himself as a crab in the original movie and TV series
. For example, in the film, the character Chef Louis refers to Sebastian as a crab, reinforcing this classification
. Further, Sebastian is often described as a red Jamaican crab, known for its bright coloration and ecological role in coastal environments
. Some sources also refer to him as a hermit crab, which aligns with his character traits and appearance in various adaptations
. In summary, Sebastian is best classified as a crab, with the live-action film specifically portraying him as a tropical ghost crab. This aligns with his self-identification and the portrayal in Disney's works.
