Red Lobster

Red Lobster, Enoplometopus occidentalis, is beloved for its personality and beauty. This Hawaiian through Indo-Pacific native displays shades of vivid red with white mottlings across its carapace. Also known as the Hairy Reef Lobster, its body and claws are covered with sensory filaments that give its “hairy” appearance. Preferred to other lobsters because of its 5-6” maximum size, it is also considered to be reef safe, as it will typically not bother other aquarium inhabitants. Possible exceptions are some invertebrates and some smaller bottom-dwelling fish. Red Lobsters should be kept one-per-aquarium, because they are territorial and intolerant of one another. The Red Lobster is basically a nocturnal creature, but may be visible through the day on rock overhangs and in the shadows. Eventually, the lobster may learn that food is present more during daytime hours and may break this habit. Typically shy initially, this lobster is a highly effective scavenger that will feed on most any meaty food. It is a true carnivore that has a penchant for clam meat. Medications containing copper must never be used in the presence of lobsters (or of most hard-shelled crustaceans.) All lobsters require Live Rock or similar aquarium decoration to use for hiding, especially when molting. Notes: This species must molt in order to grow. Molting generally occurs at night, when the lobster will lay on its back and exit its exoskeleton. A new exoskeleton is excreted and will harden over a period of several hours. The animal is vulnerable at this time and should not be disturbed. Proper iodine levels assist with successful molting.

Note: Lobsters are sensitive to changes in water conditions such as temperature, pH, and salinity. Acclimation should occur over a period of a few hours to ensure best chances for a successful transition.