Debelius Purple Reef Lobster - Enoplometopus debelius

Two lobsters are commonly imported into the aquarium trade as the "Purple Reef Lobster". Daum's Purple Reef Lobster (Enoplometopus daumi) is orange with small red lines and spots on the carapace, and red markings and white spots on the abdomen. The claws are purple with red markings. The Debelius Purple Reef Lobster (Enoplometopus debelius) has a more dominating, overall purple-spotted pattern on the carapace and tail, with a pale body and orange legs and accents. The claws are purple with orange bands at the tips.

Lobsters available in the aquarium trade vary in size but generally have very similar temperaments. The smaller species are commonly referred to as the "Reef Lobsters" (genus Enoplometopus) while many larger species are also occasionally available (genera Palinurellus and Panulirus, among others). Lobsters are omnivore and will scavenge on both plant matter and meaty items like fish and invertebrates. Depending on the size of the lobster, they may be a threat to smaller invertebrates but smaller lobsters are generally not a severe threat unless underfed. While they will eat some leftover food, they should be target-fed with small meaty items regularly.

Lobsters are usually considered Reef Safe (if well-fed) in that they do not usually eat corals. However, lobsters do build burrows in rockwork and can cause some damage as they bury, especially larger lobsters. The "Reef Lobsters" are usually safe in reef systems but the larger Spiny Lobsters, Slipper Lobsters, Spiny Lobsters and some others are best kept in large systems without coral that can be damaged by their activity. Most lobsters are nocturnal and will remain hidden during the day and come out at night to feed.