Spiny Blue Lobster

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 14"
• Diet: Omnivore   • Aquarium Level: Substrate & Rocks   • Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
 • Reef Compatible: Yes, With caution   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements   • Coloration: Blue, Brown, White
• Origin: Indo-Pacific • Family: Palinuridae   • Species: Lobsters

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The Spiny Blue Lobster or Painted Blue Lobster has very distinctive markings of azure blue stripes on its body and legs. The carapace is green/blue and the dorsal surface is a darker blue with a reticulated pattern. This is a very low maintenance specimen as they are both scavengers and omnivores, which means they will eat just about anything edible.

They do grow up to 14" and should only be kept in a suitable large aquarium and should be kept with caution in a reef aquarium as their size can make them somewhat destructive. However, since this species does not have the large claws found on most lobsters it is much less destructive than a typical lobster. Like most invertebrates this species will not tolerate copper based medicines and it also not tolerant of high nitrate levels.

It is capable of making a sound that is very similar to a locust and may perform a dance-like maneuver, whipping its long, split white antennae as it moves about the tank.

Overall the Spiny Blue Lobster is a peaceful specimen, but it will feed on a variety of items. It will generally not bother other aquarium inhabitants except for sessile or other bottom dwelling animals; however, multiple Spiny Blue Lobsters may be kept together if the aquarium is large enough.

Due to its overall size of about 14" this species should only be kept in large aquariums with low levels of nitrate and copper. It is important to provide as much live rock or rock aquascaping as possible to provide this species with caves and crevices within which to live. Keep in mind the adult size of this species when arranging the rock work within the aquarium to allow it plenty of recesses large enough to accommodate it.

As with most all crabs and lobsters the Spiny Blue Lobster is an omnivore and will eat most any edible items that it comes across. This species will look for any meaty items that find there way to the bottom of the aquarium.

It will also eat plant material and some algae, but meaty foods make up the bulk of its diet. Spiny Blue Lobsters can be fed meaty items such as shrimp, squid, mussels etc. This species may also pray on smaller crabs and shrimp or any dead or dying fish.