Common name: Debelius reef lobster
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumArthropodsArthropoda
- ClassMalacostracansMalacostraca
- OrderDecapodsDecapoda
- FamilyPeacock Mantis ShrimpEnoplometopidae
- GenusReef LobsterEnoplometopus
- SpeciesDebelius reef lobsterEnoplometopus 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.