Blue Lobster - Panulirus versicolor

Blue Lobster (Panulirus versicolor)

The Blue Lobster is a spectacular marine spiny lobster recognised for its vivid blue and turquoise markings, long antennae and bold striped legs. Highly active after dark and impressive as it matures, this species is best suited to very large marine aquariums with substantial rockwork and robust tankmates. Its considerable adult size and predatory scavenging behaviour make it unsuitable for most conventional reef aquariums.

Common Name:
Blue Lobster, Painted Spiny Lobster, Blue Spiny Lobster

Scientific Name (Latin):
Panulirus versicolor

Maximum Size:
Approximately 30–40 cm body length, with antennae extending considerably further

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Blue Lobster occurs throughout tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is associated with coral reefs, rocky crevices, caves and sheltered reef structures.

It typically remains hidden within caves and deep crevices during daylight hours before becoming increasingly active at night.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Copper: Must be avoided

Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive / Predatory

The Blue Lobster can be territorial and may prey upon smaller fish, shrimp, crabs, snails and other vulnerable aquarium inhabitants.

It is best kept with robust, appropriately sized marine fish that are unlikely to be caught while resting.

Diet:
Omnivore / Scavenger / Predator

The Blue Lobster feeds on a wide range of marine foods including molluscs, crustaceans, carrion and other organic material.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including prawn, mussel, cockle, squid, krill and other suitable marine foods.

A varied diet containing hard-shelled foods is beneficial and helps encourage natural feeding behaviour.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 750 litres

A very large aquarium with extensive floor space, substantial rockwork and secure caves is required due to its adult size and long antennae.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Blue Lobster is primarily nocturnal and usually spends daylight hours hidden beneath rockwork or inside caves.

After dark, it becomes considerably more active and may roam widely around the aquarium searching for food.

Its powerful legs and long antennae mean that loose décor, unsecured coral frags and lightweight rockwork may be disturbed.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe

The Blue Lobster should not be considered reef safe.

It may prey upon ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, molluscs and small fish, and its movement can disturb or damage unsecured corals and aquascaping.

It is generally better suited to large fish-only or predator marine systems.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a large, mature marine aquarium with substantial secure rockwork and several spacious caves.

All rockwork should be positioned firmly, as adult specimens are powerful and capable of moving loose objects.

Avoid keeping with ornamental crustaceans, small fish or other vulnerable invertebrates.

Copper-based medications must never be used, as copper is highly toxic to marine crustaceans.

Careful acclimation is recommended because lobsters can be sensitive to sudden changes in salinity and water chemistry.

Ensure sufficient space is available for successful moulting, and avoid disturbing the lobster while its new shell is still soft.

Strong filtration and regular maintenance are important due to the waste produced by a large omnivorous crustacean.

Suitable for:
Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the invert you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.