How to Breed Lobsters in Tanks

Lobsters and crayfish are like just about any marine creature when it comes to breeding: it's all about the tank conditions. Breeding lobsters is a good way to expand the population of your tank and it is relatively simple to do with little effort needed on your part. Once you have the proper ratio of males to females in the tank, and the right temperature, breeding happens on its own.

Things You'll Need

  • Shallow rectangular tank
  • Sand substrate
  • Aquarium pH kit
  • Water filter
  • Shrimps, food pellets or boiled vegetables
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Get a shallow rectangular tank and put between 4 and 6 inches of sand substrate on the bottom. Look for a tank that is at least 10 feet long, 4 feet wide and 4 feet deep. Allow for at east 2 square feet of space per lobster.

    • 2

      Fill the tank with warm water that is between 77 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH value between 6.5 and 8. Move the tank to a warmer or cooler location if need be to maintain that temperature. Buy a pH kit from a pet store to adjust the pH in the tank.

    • 3

      Put multiple females and males in the tank for the best chance of mating. They are sexually mature at least one year old.

    • 4

      Install a water filter to help clean the water, which lobsters require for breeding.

    • 5

      Properly feed the lobsters a diet of shrimp, pet store-bought food pellets or boiled vegetables so they get proper nutrients. This is especially important for the female, because she won't eat while carrying eggs, so she will need proper nourishment beforehand.

    • 6

      Watch for signs of mating. The male deposits a small sperm bag onto the female's underside. About 24 hours later, the female releases tiny eggs that are fertilized by the sperm when released. The female will brood the eggs for six to 10 weeks, after which they hatch.