Reef Lobsters
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
This small, colorful lobster is a harmless scavenger. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
About the size and shape of crayfish, these lobsters are much more strikingly colored. Reds and oranges are dominant, but some species have prominent purple and lavender markings. They are facultative predators/scavengers, but despite their rather awesome claws, they are relatively harmless in a reef tank. They are primarily nocturnal and will be reclusive during the day.
Family: Enoplometopidae
Other common name(s):
- Flame Lobsters
Native range:
Maximum length: 15 cm (6 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 190 L (50 gal)
Lighting: Immaterial.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Scavengers. Will accept most meaty foods.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Good aquarium animals. Harmless to most reef aquarium inhabitants.
[edit] Special Care
Will do best in a species tank, but because of their size, they should not be confined to a tank much smaller than 50 gallons. In a community tank, they should be given much more room to diffuse their “picking” tendencies. Because they are from the more energy-intensive parts of the reef, they need good water movement.
| Common name | Reef Lobsters +, and Flame Lobsters + |
| Family | Enoplometopidae + |
| Genus | Enoplometopus + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Lighting | Immaterial. + |
| Maximum length | 6 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 50 gal + |
| Native range | Tropical Seas + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | spp. + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |