Blue lobster

[Vivid-Dawn]

Okay, so technically it’s not a fish...but still odd.
In fact, so odd, I can’t find any decent information! I really want to get one, but not without knowing if I can properly care for it.
I know they like hard water...got that. I know they like to eat “junk”...plenty of that, as I only really vacuum ½ my gravel a month to keep some bacteria (besides in the filter). I’ve heard they’re aggressive, so slow/small fish shouldn’t be kept...I’m pretty sure all my fish will be okay.

Breed and-or gender is nice, simply for the sake of knowledge, but I don’t plan on breeding exclusively. If anything, I’d prefer a breed that’s pure/vibrant blue, rather than blue-ish brown or subtle like that. I saw a nifty one I liked at PetCo, but as I haven’t the foggiest idea how to care for it (yet), I let it stay there.

Anything else I should know? Do they get Ich, and can I medicate them if my fishies get it anyway? I have a quarantine tank if needed.

[fishboy]

Here's my backround knowledge...
They are a solitary species and are best kept alone
They shed their shell once a month and according to my knowledge of crabbing shedding in crabs at least tends to take place more around the full moon for some unknown reason.
They like meaty food though will eat anything really
They like places to hide, these hiding spots are needed directly after shedding.
They don't get ich from what i know.
Copper based meds will kill them.

[micstarz]

remove them if you medicate your tank. They need hiding places, lots, and let them eat their own shedded shells. Mine will eat anything they assume is food, it also eats mulm and spits it out lol

[coffeejunkee09]

freeze dried tubifex worms are the best crustacean food. however, because the cubes float, you must grab them with tongs and hold them near the bottom until the lobster (really a crayfish) takes them.

I used to have a small crayfish in my tank and every few days I would drop a calcium tablet in that he would eagerly attack.

If you do this, be sure to use pure calcium, not calcium plus D or A

[Jonno]

I saw a artcle recently about them which was intresting here is the link hope it is useful:

http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.u...article_id=432

- Jonno