What Type of Fish Can an Aquarium Lobster Live With?

Lobsters require specific tank mates which they will not attack and feed on. Lobsters should be provided with a cave in which they can shelter, regardless of the fish species that are included in their aquarium. A number of colorful coral fish are compatible with the different species of marine lobsters. These fish include adult marine butterflyfish, angelfish, wrasse and dwarf lionfish. These marine fish are all large enough to hold their own against reef lobsters and will not bother these crustaceans.

  1. Wrasse

    • Members of this large and diverse family are mainly elongated in shape and brilliantly colored. Many change both their color and patterns with age. These day active fish seek out sheltered area in which to rest at night and some sleep half-buried under the substrate. The bird mouth wrasse, with its characteristically elongated snout, is a peaceful and graceful fish. The active little bluestreak cleaner wrasse obtains its nourishment by feeding on ectoparasites on the bodies of other fish. These interesting coral fish will not be aggressive toward the lobster.

    Angelfish

    • These are among the most spectacular of all reef fishes. Angelfishes forage over reefs in search of encrusting organisms such as sponges and algae. Despite their large, laterally compressed bodies, angelfishes possess tiny mouths, with which they crop food items from the reef. Angelfish will not harass or attempt to eat the lobster and the large species, such as the emperor, are substantial enough not to be bothered by the lobster.

    Surgeonfish

    • These are colorful herbivorous coral fishes which possess a distinctive spine or series of spines near their tail. Surgeonfishes are powerful swimmers which are continually in search of algae, which they crop from the reef with their small mouths. Surgeonfishes, being herbivores, will not interfere with lobsters. Virtually all species are large and powerful and not in danger of being predated on by the crustacean.

    Dwarf Lionfish

    • These unmistakable coral fish are found on sheltered areas of the reef where they glide effortlessly around and under rocky overhangs in search of unsuspecting prey. Dwarf lionfish can successfully be housed with a lobster, provided that the lobster is too large to be swallowed. Captive dwarf lionfishes must be handled with care, as their venomous dorsal, or back spines, can inflict serious wounds. These interesting fish frequently manoeuvres prey into areas offering limited retreat and further prevents their escape with its outspread pectoral, or side fins.