Allogalathea elegans (Elegant crinoid squat lobster)
Identification
Bold black or brown droplet shaped body, with 2 white stripes on the carapace and a thin yellow line in the middle, and one 1 white stripe on the arms. Long pointed rostrum with tiny spines along the edges. Row of spines below and behind the (red) eyes. However there are many variations in appearance of this species.
Status
Unevaluated by the IUCN Red list. Fairly common, but well hidden between the arms of crinoids.
Habitat
Tropical waters from the Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific. They live exclusively on crinoids (feather stars).
Reproduction
–
Size
Carapace up to 2cm.
Prey / Predation
It feeds on plankton, as does the crinoid it lives on. The crinoid provides good locations for catching plankton.
Special features
Found exclusively on crinoid hosts.
