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Project Noah Nature School
Allogalathea elegans
The body of A. elegans is 1.5–2 inches (38–51 mm) long, egg-shaped and striped.The colour of the animals varies to match the species of crinoid with which it is commensal.
It is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, where it lives among the tentacles of crinoids.
Before seeing these guys, I did not know such small lobster existed. I thought they were some sort of crabs.
Spotted on Sep 30, 2012
Submitted on Oct 28, 2012
6 Comments
great spotting Marta
Me neither. I have a few more spottings to post with tiny squat lobsters :-)
Beautiful lobster Marta! I didn´t know such a beautiful lobster existed either. The mimesis is fantastic too =)
Fantastic animal.
Thanks for the comments! We could also see some of the shrimps and fishes that also hide in the crinoids. I have to see if I have any good pics to show them here. The crinoids are interesting per se. they have some kind of legs and when you pass by they try to attach to you! I have seen more than one diver carrying them in knees and elbows without noticing :-D
Interesting spotting! I love the black & white seaweeds (?), too!