Common name: Debelius reef lobster

Scientific name: Enoplometopus debelius Holthuis, 1983
Reef Lobster, Enoplometopus daumi, a small tropical reef lobster with red and purple coloring, enoplometopus debelius

General information

Debelius' Reef Lobster, scientifically known as Enoplometopus debelius, is a strikingly colored crustacean that adds a touch of drama to any reef aquarium. Its vibrant purple and red hues, along with its relatively small size, make it a popular choice among aquarists. This species is nocturnal and tends to hide during the day, emerging at night to scavenge for food.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Average size
9 cm (3½″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Needs hiding places
Diet
Omnivore Enjoys varied diet, meaty foods
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Arthropods
    Arthropoda
  3. Class
    Malacostracans
    Malacostraca
  4. Order
    Decapods
    Decapoda
  5. Family
    Peacock Mantis Shrimp
    Enoplometopidae
  6. Genus
    Reef Lobster
    Enoplometopus
  7. Species
    Debelius reef lobster
    Enoplometopus debelius Holthuis, 1983

Care

The Purple Reef Lobster requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock to provide hiding places and a stable environment. It is important to ensure that the tank has a secure lid, as these lobsters are known to be escape artists. They are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including meaty foods and detritus. However, care should be taken to ensure they do not prey on small fish or other desirable invertebrates.

Reproduction

In the home aquarium, breeding Debelius' Reef Lobster is quite challenging and rarely observed. They have a complex life cycle that typically requires specialized conditions to successfully raise the larvae.

Habitat

Enoplometopus debelius is found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around the coral reefs of the Red Sea, East Africa, and the central Pacific. They prefer to dwell in crevices and caves at depths ranging from 2 to 40 meters.