Tank mates?

[Texas1203]

I saw some white ghost lobsters at my lfs today. I have done some research on them and there seems to be a lot of differing opinions on how big they get. I currently have a 75 gallon tank with a leopard bush fish, 2 pearl gourami, 2 African butterfly fish.
My leopard fish, Leo, is aggressive. I did have 3 pearls, unfortunately the male did not survive. Leo will chase the two remaining females. Everyone has been living successfully in my tank for at least two years.
I do not think a white ghost lobster will harm any of my fish, they are fast swimmers and two live on the top of the tank. The one at the , is about two inches, so it could comfortably fit in one of the 4 caves I have in the tank. Would a leopard bush eat the lobster, or would the lobster pinchers be enough to save him from Leo?

 

[Deadeye]

I’ve never had problems with crayfish and fish (except a dwarf crayfish with a betta). Most of my fish are generally faster moving than a bush fish though.
If you do it, try having another tank as a backup.
Females don’t get as big and have smaller claws, so try to get one as opposed to a male.
I don’t see a bushfish going after a crayfish, but anything possible.
My mbuna, Jack Dempsey, and banded leporinus were my only fish to really go after crays (of the ones I’ve attempted that mix with).

 

[Texas1203]

I did it. I brought the lil snow white lobster home. Of course, Leo has tried to eat him. Im hoping the lil guy stays alive long enough to get bigger. Leo is definitely aware he has claws, and steers clear of him when the crayfish holds them up. I will try to post a video link.https://youtube.com/shorts/yq9FVYoGrzI?si=vWl7_xDV96Y93kYQ

 

[Deadeye]

I’d keep them separate at that size - once it molts it’s game over for the crayfish.
Eventually it will get 4-6 inches, too big to eat.

 

[Texas1203]

I’d keep them separate at that size - once it molts it’s game over for the crayfish.
Eventually it will get 4-6 inches, too big to eat.

I do have a 5 gal with a pea puffer… but Im not sure that is a good fit, would it do better with the puffer?
I hate to see the lil crayfish be dinner, but then again, it would be a nice $20 meal for Leo.
Currently, the crayfish is burrowed in a cave. I’ll put a shrimp pellet in the cave tomorrow during feeding.

 

[Deadeye]

Not a good mix with a puffer - easy meal for the cray (it’s already too big to be puffer food).
If you can get it a good cave it might work.

 

[Texas1203]

Not a good mix with a puffer - easy meal for the cray (it’s already too big to be puffer food).
If you can get it a good cave it might work.

Ok I will leave in the lil lobster in the 75… Don’t want to loose the puffer. The lobster made it through the night and has moved out of the cave under some rocks. I did take my planting tweezers and put two sinking shrimp pellets at the entrance, he gobbled them. There are 4 caves that Leo cannot fit anymore, so those should make good shelters. Hopefully, he doesn’t get eaten when he molts. I guess I will pray that he gets to adult size.

 

[Texas1203]

Yesterday, lil lobster was still under rocks. Used the tweezers to deliver 2 algae pellets. This morning I woke up and I do not see him. Today is water change day…. I will see if maybe he just went into another cave. Hopefully, he is still alive. But I’m thinking Leo enjoyed a lobster dinner lastnight. I feel bad for the lil lobster, but I absolutely love my Leo, so lesson learned. Will update after water change to confirm whether Leo ate him or he is hiding elsewhere.

 

[Texas1203]

Yesterday, lil lobster was still under rocks. Used the tweezers to deliver 2 algae pellets. This morning I woke up and I do not see him. Today is water change day…. I will see if maybe he just went into another cave. Hopefully, he is still alive. But I’m thinking Leo enjoyed a lobster dinner lastnight. I feel bad for the lil lobster, but I absolutely love my Leo, so lesson learned. Will update after water change to confirm whether Leo ate him or he is hiding elsewhere.

Update: The lil lobster is still alive!!! I used a flashlight to look really good at the rock pile…. He is currently pulling a plant inside the rocks to eat it…. Yay he is still alive!