These flamboyant members of the squat lobster family, Galatheidae, are commensal on large giant barrel sponges Xestospongia muta. These sponges are filter feeders, drawing nutrient-rich water in through its walls. The hairy squat lobster appears to feed on nutrient particles collected on the long white bristles covering the body, which are then combed into the mouthparts by the claws and legs. These video clips were captured in Anilao and Puerto Galera, Philippines.
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I'm Shane. Macronesia is the outlet for my underwater macro videos. I'm a terrestrial ecologist by vocation and underwater videographer by compulsion, with a special penchant for nudibranchs, other sea slugs, and marine invertebrates of all types. This is a non-commercial site, I just want to share these moving images as widely as possible. Please share my videos with your friends, and "like" the Macronesia Facebook page to stay connected. Even better, submit your email address on the home page and never miss a new video.
