Common name: Elegant squat lobster

General information

The Boxer Shrimp, Allogalathea elegans, also known as the Banded Coral Shrimp or Banded Boxer Shrimp, is a striking decapod crustacean known for its prominent red and white banded pattern. This species is a member of the family Galatheidae and is popular among aquarists for its unique appearance and behavior.

Boxer Shrimps are relatively small, typically reaching up to 6 centimeters in length. They are nocturnal by nature and often hide during the day in crevices or under overhangs on the reef.

Care

In the aquarium, Boxer Shrimps require a well-established environment with plenty of hiding places and a stable, mature water quality. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with a variety of tank mates, but may show territorial behavior towards other shrimp, especially of their own species.

They are scavengers and will eat a variety of foods, including frozen, flake, and pellet foods, as well as detritus and small organisms within the aquarium. It is important to ensure they receive a balanced diet to maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

Boxer Shrimps are known to be monogamous, often forming long-term pairs. In the home aquarium, breeding can occur with a well-established pair. The female carries the eggs under her abdomen until they hatch, releasing planktonic larvae into the water column.

Symbiosis

While not hosting fish or other large organisms, Boxer Shrimps are often found in close association with anemones, corals, and sponges in the wild. They benefit from the protection these sessile animals provide and, in turn, may help keep their hosts clean by removing detritus.

Habitat

Allogalathea elegans is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates, typically at depths ranging from just below the surface to about 40 meters.