{"product_id":"blue-lobster-panulirius-versicolor","title":"Blue Lobster Panulirius Versicolor","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eBlue Lobster (Panulirus versicolor)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as the Painted Rock Lobster, Tropical Rock Lobster, or Bamboo Lobster)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Lobster is a stunning spiny lobster species, instantly recognisable for its \u003cstrong\u003evivid blue, green, and purple body\u003c\/strong\u003ewith cream-coloured bands across its legs and long striped antennae. Unlike true clawed lobsters, \u003cem\u003ePanulirus\u003c\/em\u003e species lack large pincers but possess strong spiny exoskeletons for defence. They can grow up to \u003cstrong\u003e40 cm (16 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e in length and are nocturnal, spending daylight hours hiding in caves before venturing out at night to forage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Indonesia, Fiji, and Northern Australia. Typically found in coral reefs and rocky crevices, from shallow lagoons to depths of about 15–20 m.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Lobster is an \u003cstrong\u003eomnivorous scavenger\u003c\/strong\u003e. In the wild, it feeds on algae, detritus, molluscs, and small invertebrates. In aquariums, it will accept:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFresh or frozen seafood (shrimp, clam, mussel, squid, fish)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSinking carnivore pellets or wafers\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlgae-based foods for variety\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeftover food from tank mates (they are efficient scavengers)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed \u003cstrong\u003e2–3 times per week\u003c\/strong\u003e, ideally in the evening when they are active.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest kept in \u003cstrong\u003elarge fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) systems\u003c\/strong\u003e. Suitable companions include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger, robust fish (tangs, triggers, groupers, angelfish)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther aggressive\/boisterous fish species that will not be intimidated\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall fish, shrimp, crabs, or snails (may be eaten)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef tanks, as they are not safe with corals or ornamental invertebrates\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSemi-aggressive.\u003c\/strong\u003e While they do not actively hunt larger fish, they are opportunistic feeders and will prey on smaller or slow-moving animals. They may also become territorial toward other lobsters, so only one specimen per tank is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate to advanced.\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy once acclimated, but their large size, strong territorial needs, and incompatibility with reef invertebrates make them better suited to experienced aquarists with large marine setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C (75–82°F)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.023–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum \u003cstrong\u003e125 gallons (475L)\u003c\/strong\u003e for a single adult\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide plenty of caves, rockwork, and overhangs to mimic their natural hiding places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e Will eat crustaceans, snails, and may damage corals while foraging. Best suited to FOWLR aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864413385079,"sku":"FSH-01337","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Blue-Lobster-Panulirius-Versicolor.png?v=1773331386","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/blue-lobster-panulirius-versicolor","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}