Squat Lobsters?

[siren's eye]

Does anyone know if they're reef safe, and would they be OK in a 5 gallon with other inverts?

 

[siren's eye]

These:

 

[rolo65]

it does say minimum tank size is 10G...

 

[siren's eye]

I saw that, but thought of it as more of a guide. It says that for clown and neon gobies too, but people keep them in smaller tanks. So, I thought it might be OK.

 

[brianjfinn]

I'd agree that Live Aquaria's "minimum tank size" is, many times, only a guideline. However, there are some cases where I'll disagree and think the minimum should be higher.

If they're correct in saying the lobsters will only reach 2", I'd say give it a shot. I'm sure there are many users on here that would be interested in the results, me included.

 

[siren's eye]

Here's a better page that explains that you would need at least 10 gallons of territory to avoid fights between individuals.

 

[brianjfinn]

So you'd just need some room if you had more than one. I bet one would do well in a smaller tank if you can keep the water quality stable. The only thing I'd be worried about is smaller, less active fish, like gobies that could be come a meal. I'm wary of anything with claws, except for porcelain crabs (which the squat is related to) and pom pom crabs. I may look in to getting one or two of these for my new system.

 

[brianjfinn]

So, did you end up pulling the trigger on this one?

 

[siren's eye]

brianjfinn;581284 wrote: So, did you end up pulling the trigger on this one?

I'm trying to find one locally becaue of the shipping cost. No luck so far

 

[acroholic]

I'd research this crab thoroughly. Emerald Carbs are supposed to be reef safe as well...but they are not at larger sizes and will take your fish. Squat Lobsters may be fine, but it appears there is not a large experience level with them because of their recent appearance in the hobby (from the LA description).

IME most crabs are opportunistic feeders, and if their claws are large enough to hold it, they will take a fish as easily as a piece of prepared food.

 

[brianjfinn]

Acroholic;581310 wrote: I'd research this crab thoroughly. Emerald Carbs are supposed to be reef safe as well...but they are not at larger sizes and will take your fish. Squat Lobsters may be fine, but it appears there is not a large experience level with them because of their recent appearance in the hobby (from the LA description).

IME most crabs are opportunistic feeders, and if their claws are large enough to hold it, they will take a fish as easily as a piece of prepared food.

My thoughts, as well Dave. The only crabs I feel safe putting in my tank (other than hermits) are pom pom and porcelain. I'm curious to see how these will do, especially since they are related to the porcelain crabs.

 

[siren's eye]

well, I just did some more googling, and everywhere I look it says they're safe. i can't till I find some

 

[merkywater]

I would use caution with all crabs and lobsters, like Dave said.

 

[acroholic]

merkywater;581398 wrote: I would use caution with all crabs and lobsters, like Dave said.

At least, just be aware of the possibility that you might have to remove it if it turns on your fish. Hopefully not, though.

 

[siren's eye]

Will it be OK if I don't have fish? I'm not planning on adding any?

 

[merkywater]

I guess it really depends on what you decide to put in with it. Coral wise you should be just fine.

 

[siren's eye]

What about other inverts? mainly sexy shrimp. I was going to add 2 or 3.

 

[merkywater]

Coin flip IMO.

 

[brianjfinn]

siren's eye;581419 wrote: Will it be OK if I don't have fish? I'm not planning on adding any?

I'd say you only have to worry if it gets too big and wants to munch on your other inverts. The fact that it's related closely to the porcelain crabs makes me think you should be fine. Definitely worth a try. I'll probably get one once I get my nano up and running.