The Blue Spiny Lobster: A Hardy Pet that Can Be Fed a Variety of Meaty Diets

While it may not be a very well known and common pet, the Blue Spiny Lobster can be a pet nonetheless; in fact, it is very easy to take care of as it will be able to survive on a variety of meaty diets. They are omnivorous scavengers, but it is not recommended to feed them. They are attractive specie of lobsters, and are found throughout the tropical areas of the Indo Pacific.

Generally, a fully grown and mature Blue Spiny Lobster measures at around 14 inches although they has been a wide range of sizes found (from 8 - 20 inches) Generally, for lobsters, their first legs are enlarged to be claws; however, for the Blue, Shiny Lobster, their front legs are not enlarged, and are still legs - not claws. In total, they have 5 pairs of legs, and like the name suggest, are of a greenish-blue color. Their tail fin is blue, and legs are striped azure. Also, they have long, white antennae and white stripes over their abdomen.

While the Blue, Spiny Lobster may be a good selection and choice as a pet, it is not considered to be reef safe because it may disturb sessile, invertebrates, or bottom-dwelling mates in their tanks. If you choose to have a Blue, Spiny Lobster, keep in mind that delicate invertebrates like clams or small fish may not be a good choice to add in the tank with them. With an abundant food supply, they can be left in a tank with members of their same specie as long as it is a large enclosure. At the same time, they will consume unwanted invertebrates for you like Bristle Worms.

However, these lobsters cannot tolerate high levels of nitrate nor copper based medications. Good decorations to add in the tank with them are rocks because they would be able to find many hiding spots. While these lobsters may seem shy, they will venture and go on an adventure around their tank once they have been accustomed to the new environment.

One of the main concerns about caring for Blue, Spiny lobsters is that they require a fairly large tank size and are active and may grow to be rather large. The tanks of these lobsters have to between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pH should remain at around 8.3 or 8.4 with a specific gravity of around 1.023 to 1.025. It is important to give them a fairly large enclosure with abundant sources of food and meat.

The Blue, Spiny Lobster is a very beautiful species, and you may want to consider adding one to your tank - that is, if it is suitable for your tank. They are hardy and easy to care for in general once you get the basics done.