Colored Crinoid Squat Lobster

The Colored Crinoid Squat Lobster (Allogalathea elegans) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its vibrant coloration (ranging from deep reds to purples with white or yellow striping), compact size, long banded claws, and its symbiotic relationship with crinoids (feather stars).

Males typically display slightly larger claws and may be more active during feeding or mating behavior, while females/juveniles are smaller and often remain hidden within the arms of their crinoid hosts for protection.

They reach about 1.2 to 1.5 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 10 gallons, ideally in a system with a crinoid if long-term housing is desired, as they naturally reside in their arms.

Provide live rock, plenty of hiding spots, and gentle water flow, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4), and a secure lid, even though they aren’t jumpers, because they can be highly mobile and may climb.

Diet should consist of fine particulate foods such as plankton, copepods, cyclops, powdered invertebrate diets, and occasional mysis or brine shrimp, and with proper care this "fish" makes a standout addition to the aquarium due to its exotic appearance and fascinating symbiosis.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.