Taxonomy:

Allogalathea elegans (Adam & White, 1848)

Kingdom: Animalia 

Phylum: Arthropoda

Subphylum: Crustacea

Class: Malacostraca

Order: Decapoda

Family: Galatheidae

Genus: Allogalathea

Species: elegans (tentative identification)

A commensal crinoid squat lobster (Allogalathea sp.) living on a crinoid (Himerometra sp.). The lobster removes food particles from the arms of its host and the surrounding water. The Himerometra specimen has lost several arms during and after transport, but rapidly regenerates these provided that sufficient food particles are available in the aquarium water. Crinoids are not suitable for most aquaria, and it is strongly recommended not to purchase these delicate, demanding animals.

Author:

Tim Wijgerde

References:

Baba, K., E. Macpherson, G.C.B. Poore, S.T. Ahyong, A. Bermudez, P. Cabezas, C-W Lin, M. Nizinski, C. Rodrigues & K.E. Schnabel, 2008. Catalogue of squat lobsters of the world (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura — families Chirostylidae, Galatheidae and Kiwaidae). Zootaxa 1905: 1–220

Rutman, J. and L. Fishelson, 1969. Food composition and feeding behaviour of shallow-water crinoids at Eilat (Red Sea). Marine Biology 3:46-57.

Wijgerde, T., personal observations.