Reef "lobsters"---- opinions, experiences?

I have always been fascinated with the more aggressive crustaceans, although not nearly as fascinated as I am with corals.


Anyhow, I'm looking for people's experiences with the "purple reef lobster" which I think is a fancy name for "purple saltwater crawfish".


Well anyhow, have you put one in a reef tank, and if so, what happened...???

 

From my understanding it may catch small fish or inverts, and may knock things around. No experience though. I do like them myself.

 

I had one in my 55 and then transfered it into my 75, both full blown reef with small to large fish and small to large corals and frags. Didnt bother a thing! Never touched any corals or fish, or shrimp or crabs or anything. At night id drop a small piece of raw scallop in the tank, while the moonlights where on and watch him race out and eat it. coolest thing ive ever had......think im actually gonna buy one or two now for the 180

 

I had one in a 55 gallon reef and it killed a firefish and a chromis

 

you had the purple reef lobster? ive never heard of one actually killing anything. I had a firefish he never bothered, if i had a chromis id be happy he ate him ;D

 

I've seen it a few times. Yep it was a prl! I promise. It took out a healthy firefish and a chromis.

 

I've had a prl in my 8g for around 6 months now. He has HIS hole that nothing better get close to but is not openly aggressive to his tankmates (clown, 6line, green banded goby, snailsan crabs, etc). He's the king of the tank and my favorite critter.

 

Pretty risky even with the purples. They are opportunistic predators that will snag a fish or other invert given the chance. I won't keep them anymore in community tanks.

 

Thats exactly what my LFS told me yrs ago. I also wanted one and was told that I shouldnt get it. Another thing, you have a good chance of not seeing it during the day.


Luna