Truly reef safe lobster?

[herpsandreefs]

Is this "tropical lobster" as the LFS called it really reef safe? It seems a little rough on my toad stools, etc and I was wondering if I shoulg trade it in for something a little gentler. its about 4 inches long not including its antennas. It dosen't have pinchers however. Also, has anyone ever had garden eels, and are they reef safe and compatible with softies, tangs, and blenny's? If so, eating habits? any help very much appreciated, Chris

 

[Anonymous]

That is a spiny lobster, and although it doesn't have claws it will make short work of all sorts of inverts that are desirable. Plus they get enormous, just as big as regular lobsters, and they knock stuff over.

 

[K]

We have european spiny lobsters/crawfish in the aquarium and they are tough nuts. Admittedly they are a different type and ours are about a foot long, but I would risk them near any small invertebrates you value. We feed ours mussels and they crack open the shells no problem.
On the other hand they do look nice...