In reply to:The Red Lobster is a species of crayfish that is common throughout the rivers and streams of North America. They are a smaller species of crayfish attaining a maximum size of 5". The females are more subdued in color and have smaller claws than their male counterpart. The males will attain a dark red color when mature, and develop large claws. They are great scavengers for ponds and larger aquariums, and will even hibernate during the winter months.
Provide a freshwater aquarium or pond of at least 20 gallons with plenty of rocks, and a substrate with a moderate grain size or finer for the Red Lobster to burrow in. They can be aggressive towards their own kind, and require plenty of room for territories, and a larger aquarium or pond will be needed if housing more than one. When housing more than one, provide at least 20 gallons per Lobster and include plenty of cover including both rocks and plants.
The Red Lobster is an excellent scavenger for a pond or aquarium, as they will feed upon any left over food or detritus that settles on the bottom. They are also great algae controllers and will eat any filamentous algae that may form upon the rocks or substrate. If the pond is located in colder climates and freezes over during the colder months, be sure to use a pond heater to keep a hole in the ice for gas exchange. Provide places within the pond that contain a few inches of sandy or soil-based substrate for the Lobsters to hibernate in.
The Red Lobster will not typically bother fish, unless they are very small and are slow enough for the lobster to catch. They are relatively easy to breed in captivity, and the eggs hatch in about 21 days. After hatching, the fry can be fed flake or pellet foods, and should be separated in order to keep them from eating each other.
These Lobsters are omnivorous, and will act as a scavenger in the aquarium or pond, eating any food that comes to rest on the bottom. Supplement their diet with a quality sinking pellet, flake food and dried algae.
