Blue lobster question? All answers appreciated! Especially Zoe?

Question

I am rethinking what I am going to put in my 120 gallon. 1 went ahead and bought 1 gold dojo loach and 6 serpae tetras to start with. While at the store we saw a blue lobster for freshwater tanks. I don't know anything about them? My boyfriend really likes the idea but I need to know if it will work with what I might end up with in the tank.

Please help me with a couple of my other questions on setting up my tank. At the moments my thoughts have changed to:
6 serpae tetra
5 angels
3 dojo loaches (1 gold, 2 spotted)
4 pictus catfish
1 freshwater blue lobster ???? (depends on answers here)

I am looking for cichlids that may work with this setup: maybe Blue Ram?? I need something for him to like in the tank if the lobster is a big No-no. I asked about cichlids before.. would like a few more answers please.

Thanks for help!

If yes on any type of cichlid how many of what kinds?

I'll have to break the news to him that it's a no-go on the lobster... especially if they are dyed.

Answer 1

Personally I wouldn't suggest the Blue lobster for your tank. Depending on which type it is ( and there are several species sold as blue lobsters) they can get a rather foul attitude and can harm smaller fish. Also the blue coloration is in some species from diet and in some actually dyed on. All of the species invloved prefer water conditions different from your fish, prefering quite hard, almost brackish water. They can be cool, but are best kept in a tank to themselves.

The majority of your fish as south / central american species so for a cichlid to add I would stay in that area if possible but as long as the water requirements are similar no problems. Rams or other apistogramma would be an excellent choice in a group of 6 or so. The Apistogramma Study Group is a great source of info as well as apistos you almost never see in stores. Keyhole cichlids would make a good choice too, maybe 4 or so in the group.

Just my 2 cents worth, enjoy you wonderful tank!

Answer 2

Hehe, I live in Louisiana and know a lot about crawfish. At first you will start to lose a fish here and there, then before you know it your crawfish will be the only thing in the tank. But if you really want one I suggest getting a piece of 1 1/2" PVC about 8" long for him to hide in that will help with his aggression. I have a tank with two blue and one white crawfish I caught in my uncle's crawfish pond they are cool to watch but hella mean to fish of small sizes and can easily catch them for food.

I also have a 55g all cichlid tank and believe me its all cichlid for a reason they are the most aggresive fish for the home aquarium. They will shred anything smaller then them or of equal size to them.

Answer 3

I myself wouldn't put a blue lobster or any other type of crayfish/lobster in my tank. If you want a nice community tank. They can get aggressive and even kill small fish. (had a friend that had one and woke up on morning with no fish left just the lobster) You sound like you are going to have a beautiful tank.