Purple lobster

[Geo Reefer]

I would like to know if a purple lobster would be reef safe. Owner at LFS said he wouldn’t recommend.

 

[KingTideCorals]

Larger crustaceans tend to be "opportunity feeders"

Meaning that they will go for any fish or inverts they have easy access to or can catch. I have read before if you keep a Purple Reef Lobster (what I think you are referring to) well fed it can stay a civil citizen.

A risk no doubt though! Think what instinctual they will think..

"OH FOOD"

 

[Geo Reefer]

What about the coral? @ReeferBlaine

 

[mestorm121]

Coral is ok but other fish are a big risk. Long story but i now have two in my tank and they have eaten about 3-4 of my fish

 

[ScottR]

What about the coral? @ReeferBlaine

That’s a tough call. They’re opportunistic like crabs are. I wouldn’t add to a display. They’ll eat anything that can fit in their claws.

 

[Han]

It really comes down to the individual. I have a red reef lobster and he’ll eat anything he can, whether it be fish, corals, macro, cuc, etc. Others get lucky and get lobsters who are model citizens.

 

[Geo Reefer]

Ok thanks everyone for the advice. I’m going to leave it. Really was into it cause of the colors. There nothing like having color in a reef tank.

 

[Doglips56]

Personally unless you have a bare bottom tank with few rocks I’d say don’t waste your money. My husband really wanted one so we got it. He thought it was so cool. We’ve had it for months and we have NEVER seen it, not even at night with a red flashlight. Only way we know it’s still alive is because we find it’s exoskeleton after he sheds. Otherwise I don’t think it has caused any harm

 

[rwreef]

Got rid of mine because I witnessed him trying to eat a fish.

 

[Doglips56]

Coral is ok but other fish are a big risk. Long story but i now have two in my tank and they have eaten about 3-4 of my fish

I don’t think I’ve lost a fish or invert. We way overfeeding though so hopefully he’s just eating the leftovers. We were told they will only go after sick or impaired fish but guess they’ll say anything to get a sale.

 

[Doglips56]

Got rid of mine because I witnessed him trying to eat a fish.

How in the world did you observe it trying to eat one of your fish? Only evidence we’ve ever seen of the existence of ours is the sheds he leaves behind

 

[rwreef]

How in the world did you observe it trying to eat one of your fish? Only evidence we’ve ever seen of the existence of ours is the sheds he leaves behind

Lights were out on the tank and lights dim in the room. The fish was settling down and the lobster came in for the sneak attack. Unfortunately, the fish was messed up and didn't make it.

 

[Doglips56]

This is my tank. It will take a small miracle if I can get it out of here without a complete treardown

 

[rwreef]

This is my tank. It will take a small miracle if I can get it out of here without a complete treardown

Lucky for me mine was in a smaller temp tank at the time.

 

[jay06705]

I would pass on the lobster.

 

[BeltedCoyote]

I’d pass unless you wanted it to be a sump monster. Beyond that species only tank is probably your best bet

 

[Doglips56]

Lucky for me mine was in a smaller temp tank at the time.

Yes lucky you!

 

[jmichaelh7]

I have one and never seen him. Have lps sps etc .
We feed heavy

 

[Doglips56]

We see ours all the time but most especially when we are feeding our homemade real seafood “chopped sushi” frozen. It comes out to grab chunks of that. Otherwise reclusive

 

[BiggestE22]

Coral is ok but other fish are a big risk. Long story but i now have two in my tank and they have eaten about 3-4 of my fish

If a reef tank with lots of rocks you likely will seldom see him. They are mire secretive that red blood shrimp.