In the daytime they hide in small caves and crevices in reefs or under coral at depths up to 49 feet. With the coarse media and the lobsters burrowing capabilities, a true deep sand bed will become difficult to maintain in the display. All content here is available for continued discussion at the new forums. While they will eat some leftover food, they should be target-fed with small meaty items regularly. Jump to: navigation, search. Step 1. So its necessary to provide enough bottom space for them to roam. The nutrient accumulation caused by these animals alone can cause the balance of smaller, unprepared systems to take a negative turn. My question is really at what size and age will it start going after healthy fish? Good luck to you, and possibly your future lobster. The Blue Spiny Lobster or Painted Rock Lobster is nocturnal and solitary. Over time, they can grow to be about 5 inches. Its channeled or interrupted slots and grooves go across the abdomen in the tail section, something that is not as prevalent in other spiny lobsters (which have uninterrupted grooves or lack them completely). I find it very sad to walk into various fish stores and see multiple spiny lobsters. and Astacoidea spp. Lobsters can be directly fed a piece of meaty food with tongs every day or second day. Blue Spiny Lobster, Size < 2.25 inches for sale 4Less! If water changes with new, fresh saltwater are not done regularly, the minerals also get depleted and nitrates accumulate and can also be detrimental to crustaceans and other invertebrates.
What size tank do you need for a blue lobster? | Exotic Fish Tank With this they can remain submerged 24/7. 8.1 - 8.4 Temp. However, we dont recommend going that small. Panulirus are in large part nocturnal, taking refuge in caves, crevices, and overhangs during the day and feeding and hunting during dusk, early morning, and nighttime hours. Orange and blue lobster for sale in a stall at the side of the street in Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. As for substrate, many spiny lobsters will often burrow to take refuge rather than go to the nearest rocky cave or overhang. Keeping BLUE LOBSTER In A Saltwater Aquarium, A RARE . Lobsters, crabs and shrimp must be fed pellet food that sinks to the bottom of the tank. Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallon. At the store, Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobsters may be around 2 to 3 inches in length. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It seems like some do and some dont go after fish. Blue Spiny Lobster (Panulirus versicolor) From The Aquarium Wiki. Reservoir storage is included in this calculation. I think your best bet is to provide a variety of plant matter, algae, and detritus to keep it occupied with foraging. Feed them as much as they can eat in three minutes, twice a day. Generally speaking, an ideal setup would have the width of the tank being at least 1 times or, even better, twice the length of the animal. Its less prone to scavenging organic matter than the other members of the genus and is more likely to seek out live preysomething worth noting. I would also consider employing the use of a macroalgae refugium for nutrient export.
How big of a tank does a blue lobster need? | Exotic Fish Tank As such, it would probably be in your best interest to keep tropical specimens. Care Level: EasyTemperament: Semi-AggressiveDiet: OmnivoreReef Safe: NoMinimum Tank Size: 25 GallonsMax Size: 6 inches Blue Spiny Lobsters can get rather large, with some adults measuring over 16 inches long. In my experience, the blue spiny lobster is the most widely available species in the aquarium trade. It should be fed various meats of marine origin. I dont think adding additional fish or crayfish will improve its quality of life. Set up the tank properly. The water volume should turn over 10 times per hour at minimum, with more turnover being preferable. 30.5-35.6cm (12-14 ") sg. Marine Inverts/Plants Sale Daum's Reef Lobster Got a picture of him? To allow the lobster to perform this natural behavior, the substrate will need to be quite deep, around 6 inches. How do you plumb a frag tank to the main tank? Temperate tanks also tend to constantly form condensation on the outside due to the ambient temperature in the room typically being higher. How many hours should I run CO2 in my aquarium? Though lobsters are destructive in general, the ornate takes the meaning to a whole new level. Hoping he gets more bold and visible. Logical guesses lead scientists to hypothesize that the march into deeper water is a response to the heavy tropical storm systems that pound the area for a significant duration of the year, and that the sudden social behavior of these quite anti-social creatures is a defensive mechanism. An oversized and efficient protein skimmer is also a must in the lobster system. A single crayfish can be kept in a relatively small aquarium. He also believes that the ocean is flat and, by deduction, the Earth is flat. Care Level: Easy. Lobsters are more likely to be eaten or picked on in the wild in this state and will remain rather reclusive for several days following the event. Please leave your valid email address below. How long can lobsters live in tank? Panulirus versicolor. Because of their size as an adult, the minimum tank size you should go with is 30 gallons. Spiny lobsters are classified as semi-aggressive due to their predatory nature when hungry, to lessen their aggressiveness, keep them well fed. How many fish should be in a 2 gallon tank? Your email address will not be published. Living in Southern California, one of my largest complaints is the fact that many stores offer local specimens, which are temperate. It gives the hobby more inclusion, expanding options to new or bored aquarists. The California spiny lobster is a temperate species with a range along the coast in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Temperate and tropical corallimorphs, such as Corynactis californica (temperate), Discosoma spp., and Actinodiscus spp., can be potentially good choices. As with most lobsters, rock lobsters are quite messy eaters and big waste makers. Blue spiny lobsters have a minimum tank size of 20 gallons. Lobsters also need a lot of area to roam, so dcor and live rock should be kept to a minimum. It is sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications. The length of the tank should also be at least 2 times the length of the specimen. Blue Spiny Lobster, Size < 2.25 inches for sale 4Less! I admit that this causes Panulirus spp., and lobsters in general, to seem undesirable when there are other smaller, more compatible crustaceans that can coexist with other invertebrates and fish. These lobsters are predators that hunt at night. The tank size required for each Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobster should have at least 20 gallons of water. I have read some websites that say they can get 20" long, others say 14", either way, that is a huge animal in a tank. Panulirus versicolor. Rock and spiny lobsters of the genus Panulirus arent generally recommended for the mixed reef/invertebrate or fish-only display (with some exceptions), but given a dedicated tank and proper care, these animals are quite worthy aquarium specimens that can make fun displays. Given their large size, eating methods, and waste production, a lobsters bioload on a system could easily rival that of any similarly sized or larger predatory fish, or one that has a high metabolism. The following list includes the members of the genus that aquarists are most likely to come across. A tank with lobsters would certainly need to be designed and maintained with them as the centerpiece, something many aquarists just arent willing to do. All Rights Reserved. Many species of spiny lobsters are placed in the best left in the ocean category.
Blue Spiny Lobster (Panulirus versicolor) - The Free Freshwater and Eric Wyatt is an expert on aquariums. Some fish-keepers have seen success raising Electric Blue Crayfish in tanks as small as 10 gallons. Be warned. 568 Litres (150 Plan to keep at least five to six different foods on hand at all times and alternate between them. Unlike many of the other animals we care for where surface area is a must, the height of the aquarium can be factored into usable area. The Tests That Matter (Sourcing/Mixing Water). The blue spiny lobster, or Hawaiian blue lobster, (P. penicillatus) is another species that is routinely available in the aquarium trade. Though not indigenous, its most common in the Hawaiian Islands and falls subject to the same laws as P. marginatus. The laws are just, as this animal has been irresponsibly overfished. My brother has had one in his tank for months now and it has not gone after anything. Its not recommended that you keep more than one crayfish in a tank. A 15 gallon tank is too small to keep even one crayfish. The ornate spiny lobster has quite a large distribution in comparison to some of its cousins, ranging from the Red Sea all the way down to Africa, and is a common sight in many Western Pacific islands. Yeah, but I have watched these fish sleeping, and they dont lay down on a rock and fall asleep, they still are moving a bit. At the store, Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobsters may be around 2 to 3 inches in length. As with all crustaceans, lobsters go through the process of molting, shedding their exoskeleton in order to grow. Blue spiny lobsters have a lifespan of up to 15 years. Blue lobsters are perfectly suitable for consumption.
Spiny Lobsters: Unusual Marine Inverts - Tropical Fish Hobbyist Crustaceans benefit from iodine and mineral supplements to help form a healthy, hard exoskeleton. Electric Blue crayfish should be fed every day so that they dont predate on their tankmates. Like humans, marine specimens are diverse and beautiful in their own unique way. They have long, rigid white antennae and large, stalked eyes. So, you should add fish that live in other parts of the tank to avoid any problems. In fact, I have seen nutritionists in public aquaria routinely offer panulirids live sea urchins (after proper quarantine). As far as fish go, larger, slower-moving fish that wont attack the lobster and vice-versa are at times utilized, though not without risk. And yes, even slower, smaller fish are at some risk with a large lobster in the tank. Crayfish are among the least demanding animals kept as pets, making them suitable for both children and adults. When he got to about 5", one of my lions went missing (the lions were both around 3-4" TL). We will inform you when the product arrives in stock. Some fish-keepers have seen success raising Electric Blue Crayfish in tanks as small as 10 gallons. How long can a blue lobster live without food? Over 20 different species belong to the genus Panulirus, and their distribution ranges quite widely. Overall crayfish can work with larger turtles but need more cover and there are many dangers present but if you are willing to take the risk then its a great option. Most shrimp are fine to keep with these guys because they are fast and stay out of the way of the Electric Blue Crayfish. Any commercial gathering is currently illegal; only hand-caught ula over certain lengths are legal. Images in the WYSIWYG area are exact pictures of what you will receive. They were all about the same size at first, but the lobster molted often, and grew quickly. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Be the first to review Lobster Spiny (Blue). The Blue Spiny Lobster or Painted Crayfish, has distinctive markings of azure blue stripes on its legs. Electric Blue Crayfish Tank Mates As long as you do some planning ahead of time, this species can be kept in large community tanks. Blue Spiny Lobsters (Panulirus versicolor) are beautiful but elusive. Consuming their old home may be a way for them to regain lost calcium and various nutrients lost during the process.
Blue Spiny Lobster Panulirus versicolor. There were a few issues getting Bartholomew James Fitzpatrick Haringhton to settle into his tank but he became very friendly with us and, occasionally, gave us kisses before bed. Blue Spiny Lobster (Panulirus versicolor) From The Aquarium Wiki. How big of a tank does a vanilla lobster need? Had mine for over a week, and still pretty timid about coming out. Once youve decided that spiny lobsters are just so neat that you cant live without them, its time to design an appropriate setup. These invertebrates also like freeze-dried brine shrimp, bloodworms and tubifex worms. Just like other crustaceans, crayfish consume almost anything they find in the wild. Origin: Indian Ocean. As it gets bigger it will get more aggressive, just keep an eye on it, Use of this web site is subject to the terms and conditions described in the, Florida Marine Aquarium Society (FMAS) - Miami/Ft. Reef Safe: With caution.
Blue Spiny Lobster, Size < 2.25 inches - reefs4less.com Though there are mixed reports of their lifespan, most seem to concede they are capable of living up to 50 years, during which they never stop growing completely. These animals need quite large tanks, and surface area is of optimal importance. Min. Due to their maximum potential size, they should not be kept in aquariums any smaller than 30 gallons. They are much more predictable and agreeable Its more predator than scavenger, commonly hunting sea urchins, mollusks, other crustaceans, bivalves, and even the occasional fish. What do you put in RO water for a fish tank? They have been priced as high as $500 on eBay although the listing failed to attract a single bid, so its safe to say the worth of blue lobsters is debatable. You are more likely to see live specimens in the fresh-seafood section in your food market than an aquarium store, which is likely for the best, as this is the main species of this genus too often sold to reef/tropical aquarists. I had the lions since they were not much bigger than a quarter, so it was a real bummer to lose them. He knows when feeding time is and sits in the front corner waiting for food, then once fed, he retreats to the back behind the rocks. Overall, he has been a pleasure however, there were instances where he resorted to violence like when we tried to vaccinate him and he refused on the basis that he did not want to get autism or mercury poisoning. Other sources indicate that some species can live for as long as 100 years before they die. This article is a Blue Spiny Lobster. The Reef Central Forums are now located at https://forums.reefcentral.comThe old forum is closed to new activity.
Blue Spiny Lobster You can make this easier by maintaining high calcium levels (300 ppm to 450 ppm) and proper alkalinity levels between 8 and 12 dKH. As it adjusts to captive life, it can be coaxed into exploring its environment during daylight hours. Normal-output T-5 fluorescents are more than sufficient, but if you want to bring out the colors in your specimen, very-high-output T-5 fluorescents or LEDs (due to their adjustability and longevity) would be my aesthetic choice. There are strict regulations placed on commercial and private fishermen, as this animal takes 5 to 10 years to reach sexual maturityat which time it reaches only a mere 2 to 4 inches at best. The first one never harmed anything, the second bugger tried for every fish that came close. I think, however, that we are starting to see a trend away from the mainstream, where aquarists are more inclined to adore oddball creatures and set up biotope displays, which I think is a positive. Blue Spiny Lobster (Panulirus versicolor) From The Aquarium Wiki. I had one about 10 years ago in a 90g with a couple fuzzy dwarf lions. This is one of the few spiny lobsters you will find in association with sessile invertebrates. For this reason they should on be kept in tanks that are larger than 90 gallons. These crayfish occupy the bottom of the water column. As I mentioned before, P. argus also engages in another unique social collaboration: The ceremony starts with a small gathering in shallower waters just before the dreaded storm season.
Lobster Just be sure to know what youre getting into before making a purchase, as these lobsters are often the victim of impulsive buying habits. Blue Spiny Lobster - Africa, Size < 2.25 inches for sale 4Less! Generally, they are found in water depths of about 49 feet. Where does the filter go on a turtle tank? I prefer to pick a number and keep it as stable as possible; Panulirus under my care are usually kept from 60 to 64. The highest I measured was 66, and that was during high noon in a tide pool less than 5 feet deep.
Blue Lobster - Live Gem Factory Ltd. Any loose items or structures could be easily toppled, and you could possibly end up with a crushed lobster. Eric Wyatt is an expert on aquariums. I had one, grew very quickly.. So its necessary to provide enough bottom space for them to roam. Over time, they can grow to be about 5 inches. Min. I had one when my tank was a reef tank, actually an awesome part of the tank i thought, he never went after fish, only thing he liked was eating snails and hermits, he would grab a hermit crab and if he couldnt get it out of its shell to eat it he would get mad and start shaking it and eventually get wore out with it and toss it, he loved chowing on moon snails, not sure why but he had a thing for them, mine was fairly large, body was about 5 1/2 inches and antenna were about an extra 10 inches, but in regard to your post, no he never went after a fish. As with most lobsters, they are quite voracious eaters and will easily consume any invertebrate or plant life housed with them. The list of compatible organisms is quite short and arguably non-existent for some individuals. This species reportedly attains lengths of 18 inches, though 12 inches is much more common. These lobsters spend their days in small caves and crevices in reefs or under coral. Its potential size is somewhat more manageable at 20 inches, though 12 and 16 inches are common. Its potential size is somewhat more manageable at 20 inches, though 12 and 16 inches are common. The blue spiny lobster, or Hawaiian blue lobster, (P. penicillatus) is another species that is routinely available in the aquarium trade. It also appears to be somewhat more reserved and cautious than other spiny lobsters, beingquite difficult to coax out in daytime hours. Min. It is in large part nocturnal, emerging at the end of dusk to feed on echinoderms such as the California purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) and smaller ochre sea stars (Pisaster ochraceus) as well as mussels, clams, smaller crustaceans, and dead or dying organic matter of any kind. I do not recommend removing the newly molted animal, as the process is stressful enough. Acclimation Time: 2+ hours. where they are know as crayfish. pixels inches cm. One tip: Make sure your fish arent gluttons! Since a lobster is an invertebrate, you should attempt to keep nitrate as close to zero as possible, though a level of 10 ppm is acceptable. Though individuals can be found relatively close to each other at times, lobsters are generally intolerant of each other, excluding a very interesting, seemingly ceremonial gathering that occurs in an Atlantic species, P. argus. Crayfish are very good at escaping so make sure to have a tight fitting lid on your tank. These units can be quite expensive. It is a bit smaller than mine, but I wonder if you keep it fed if it will not bother fish. Can you move an aquarium with fish in it? The tanks parameters should be kept close to seawater levels. Crayfish need more space and water than that.
Experience with blue spiny lobsters Fish Only & Aggressive Tanks They are also sometimes referred to as the painted reef lobster, or the blue reef lobster. So its necessary to provide enough bottom space for them to roam. Crayfish need a tank with fresh water thats kept clean and free of pollution. They can also be aggressive with small fish, snails, shrimp, clams, and even larger fish as well. Instead, utilize a piece of egg crate, starboard, or acrylic as an in-tank divider to protect the animal until it can defend itself again. Commonly known as the Caribbean or Florida spiny lobster, P. argus, as its name suggests, hails from the subtropical Atlantic, even as far as the Gulf of Mexico. Jump to: navigation, search. Tank Size Its quite common to see the spotted spiny lobster taking refuge among overhanging coral rather than a rocky cave. Yeah, both of my lions were very healthy and would beg for food every time I would walk near their tank. It is extremely difficult to breed in an aquarium.
Spiny Blue Lobster - Reef Keeping - Austin Reef Club Its also a tankbuster at a potential 24 inches. Furthermore, most aquariums are too small to house these organisms, some of which reach sizes upward of 2 feet. Spiny Blue Lobster. Over time, they can grow to be about 5 inches. Difficulty.
Tank Size: You eventually need a 120-gallon tank because they get huge. Temperament: Semi-Aggressive (May be aggressive towards inverts if hungry), Other Common Names: Blue Spiny Lobster, Painted Reef Lobster, Blue Reef Lobster. Required fields are marked *. As far as feeding, these animals have a varied diet that you should attempt to duplicate as best as possible. Utilize meat of marine origin, including (but not limited to) fresh market fish, scallops, clams, oysters, shrimp, krill, and squid. With regard to other invertebrates, I have seen some hardy sessile invertebrates utilized in lobster tanks to add more appeal. Salinity should be maintained between 1.024 and 1.025. As beautiful and majestic as these creatures may appear on the outside, inside lies a clumsy and destructive (whether it be on purpose or not) animal. It features distinctive markings of azure blue stripes on its legs, along with greenish-blue carapace that surely makes the Blue Spiny Lobster Tank Size . Tank lighting and rock arrangement will need to be thought through very carefully, as this animal is a dedicated nocturnal reef denizen. Quite boisterous and very bold, it will ruthlessly defend its territory. EYE IT BUY IT items are specially selected items that have been photographed and presented as What You See Is What You Get. Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful Maximum Size: 14" Diet: Omnivore Aquarium Level: Substrate & Rocks Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons Reef Compatible: Yes, With caution Blue lobster pots on a quayside at a fishing village; Lobster; Blue spiny lobster is laying on the leaves. Because of their size as an adult, the minimum tank size you should go with is.
Can you buy a lobster and keep it as a pet? Spiny Lobsters Habitat and Distribution. Red lights and moonlights are other viable options for viewing these creatures of the night. Tank Size . As Im sure you know, ammonia and nitrite should always be at zero. They make excellent clean up crew members as they will scavenge the tank for any leftovers. Taller cylindrical aquariums that can be viewed in 360 with hiding/climbing centerpieces can really put the specimen in the spotlight so to speak. Having said that, they are beautiful creatures that are very hardy when given the right care. At the store, Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobsters may be around 2 to 3 inches in length. Older males can weigh as much as 25 pounds. On the same note, since dcor must also be kept at a minimum, you can also place any extra live rock in the refugium to serve as a breeding ground for beneficial microfauna and nitrifying bacteria. Crayfish of different species are more likely to try to kill each other. At the store, Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobsters may be around 2 to 3 inches in length. This lobster is a part of the Palinuridae family. How much space does a blue crayfish need? This too is quite an attractive species, with a striped body that flaunts brown, gray, and even some yellow pigmentation. If you plan to place a temperate species, such as the California spiny lobster (P. interruptus), in tropical water, you are condemning it to death. They consume both live and dead creatures, including as fish and shrimp, as well as plankton, algae, and even worms, snails, and other molluscs.
Blue Spiny Lobster I dont recommend keeping Crayfish with Goldfish because even larger fish risk getting caught by their claws if the Crayfish gets too hungry or aggressive. Regular water changes with high quality salt mixes usually provide enough, but extra supplements may be needed in reef tanks or in tanks with heavy invertebrates loads that use up iodine and other minerals rapidly. How often should I feed my blue crayfish? Crayfish need a lot of oxygen, so it definitely good to have an air pump to add oxygen to the water. If you do, it will be important to make sure they have plenty of space to themselves, and that theyre the same species. As noted, chilled water is a necessity for these temperate animals, as they inhabit water in the mid-50s to occasionally the low 70s in extreme weather cells. Well, some websites have said they can get to 20". They have been priced as high as $500 on eBay although the listing failed to attract a single bid, so its safe to say the worth of blue lobsters is debatable. Can freshwater fish live in filtered water? Nearly anything will do. They should by no means be classified as social or reef safe. Honestly, its amazing they even make it from a planktonic pelagic stage to their more familiar form. The smaller species are commonly referred to as the "Reef Lobsters" (genus Enoplometopus) while many larger species are also occasionally available (genera Palinurellus and Panulirus, among others). In fact, while diving mostly off of Catalina Island during the summer of 2011, most temperatures for the month of May varied from 58 to 64. This species is the most common lobster found in Sri Lanka. At the store, Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobsters may be around 2 to 3 inches in length.
Blue Spiny Lobster (Panulirus versicolor) Saltwater Inverts In conjunction with the filtration system mentioned above, weekly water changes should be performed and detritus should be siphoned/vacuumed from the dcor, rockwork, and substrate. It's just a matter of time until it starts killing and eating your fish. Copyright 2022 Reefs4Less.com. All trademarks are either the property of Central Garden & Pet Company, its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliated and/or related companies or the property of their respective owners. How Much Do Blue Lobsters Cost? The species itself is highly protected, as are all the animals in Hawaii, and it will be quite difficult to attain one. Difficulty. Weekly (or even more frequent) testing of the water parameters is mandatory. Diet: Carnivore. Whatever you choose to do, be responsible and care for your animals to the best of your ability. Blue Lobster Care Tips: Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons. Lobsters are nocturnal and prefer to roam at night and will hide during cracks and under rocks during the day. Can you move an aquarium with fish in it? Care Level: EasyTemperament: PeacefulDiet: CarnivoreOrigin: Indian OceanMinimum Tank Size: 25 gallonAcclimation Time: 2+ hoursReef Safe: With cautionCoral Its also a tankbuster at a potential 24 inches. If you decide to keep one of these temperate species, a water chiller is a must. Juveniles can be raised in something smaller, such as a 20-gallon tank. Coral Safe: Yes. Thanks for the replies. Hi Kin pla, thanks for the post, I appreciate it. For the most part, they are fairly timid and calmat smaller sizes, it is not unheard of to hear of them cohabiting in mixed reef tanks even with other lobsters, causing no harm. As I mentioned earlier, the waste produced by a lobster can rival that of larger, predatory fish. Though not indigenous, its most common in the Hawaiian Islands and falls subject to the same laws as P. marginatus.
Blue Spiny Lobster The tank size required for each Hammers Cobalt Blue Lobster should have. All in all, great lobster and I would definitely reccomend it, Free Shipping on Supplies over $75 with code, Reverse Osmosis & Deionizer Water Additives, Freshwater pH Regulators & Alkalinity Buffers, Saltwater pH Regulators & Alkalinity Buffers, Blue Spiny Lobster - Panulirus versicolor. They are not ideal tank mates because of this, but if the tank is larger and deeper, the frogs may be ok, and any tadpoles will have more space to flee the crayfish.
Lobsters also prefer coarse media and not oolitic sand, which has become so useful and popular in reef aquaria. By LiLS, July 23, 2009 in Reef Keeping. It was ok as long as it was fed but if not pretty much anything it could get ahold of was dinner it made it's way through my clean up crew, but I never noticed it going for fish, Strangely my puffers and trigger never paid it any mind.