Is the red lobster (Enoplometapus sp.) reef safe?

[cyberpanther]

I recently ordered over $400 worth of fish and corals from ffexpress. Everything was great except for I had a fire shrimp die and a $29 nudibranch die as well on arrival. FF said they would give me a credit for the shrimp but not the nudibranch since it was restricted (not a good shipper) which I guess is ok. Anyway when I was ordering all my fish (which I thoroughly researched before purchasing) I came across a red lobster (Enoplometapus sp.( which I knew nothing about but bought anyway. I know I should have looked it up before hand so no flames are needed. Anyway my question is, is it reef safe and what does it eat. Thanks.

 

[cyberpanther]

anyone????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

 

[Modo]

It's been my understanding that Lobsters are not reef safe. They will catch and eat fish. It is also my understanding that they will tunnel and never come out during the day.

I've never had any experience with them, but this is what I have read or been told. Maybe someone will answer with a little more knowledge.

Maybe that will hold ya for another 10mins!

 

[ecoman001]

[ April 02, 2002: Message edited by: ecoman001 ]</p>

 

[ecoman001]

No they are not reef safe.IMO
They eat fish!!!!

 

[ACROPHORIA1]

they eat what evr thay can tear apart or catch.I bought a purple and pink one 2 years ago,it now lives in my sump and man is it huge now.
I wouldnt put it in your reef.

 

[eddi]

I have a red and a purple lobster in my 125 gallon reef tank. Yes, they have the reputation of not being reef safe but I have not had any problems with either with the exception of losing a blue linkia(sp?) starfish, which I believe they killed and ate.

I do not have any small fish in my tank so I can't tell you whether they eat them or not. I have a copeerband butterfly, a purple tang, a pair of small true percs (but those never stray from their home) and a marine betta. Occasionally the red lobster will point its claws to one of the fish, but they completely ignore him and swim right by.
One thing I can tell you is that they will crawl over your rocks, so make sure your corals are well placed.

They eat brine shrimp and pieces of fish, squid, shrimps that I cut in small pieces.

I love my lobsters. I knew going in that they were iffy and maybe I have simply been lucky, but I have been happy with them.


Eddi