Theoretical Question...

Let's say, theoretically, that I have a 240 gallon tank.

I go out in the Atlantic and catch myself a juvenile Florida Spiny Lobster. Keep him alive in my livewell on the boat. Carefully transport him to shore. Will he survive in my tank?

if its legal to do and you maintain the tank properly i dont see why not, keep in mind i dont know much about that specific species..

Panulirus argus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

make sure you research what they eat and all that good stuff, would you catch him to fatten him up and later eventually eat em (hypothetically of course)

In Florida, there is a season where the spiny lobster may be taken, usually from the beginning of August to the end of January. A special "mini season" a few days before the start of the regular lobster season gives recreational divers a "head start" in catching them. Divers catch them by gloved hand, often "tickling" them out of their dens with a dowel or small stick. In the Bahamas and Caribbean, they are often also speared or gigged (Florida game regulations prohibit taking them by these methods). Commercially, they are caught with lobster traps similar to those used by lobster fishermen in New England. The traps are usually baited with dead fish or chicken necks.

Hahaha I knew this would be brought up, I actually happen to be an avid diver and I've been participating in "Mini Season" for the past 13 years at least. They are my favorite seafood and a part of my life. I wouldn't be raising this guy to eat, just to observe and enjoy in my tank. I know how to catch them and I don't think harvesting a live one would be illegal as long as his carapace is long enough.

Here's the thing......why I said "theoretical" was because my tank isn't quite that large.

I do not condone the harvesting of undersize crustaceans, nor would I ever do so. But in theory, if somebody were to harvest a baby, would it have a similar chance of surviving? I don't particularly see why not. And these species grow at a very, very slow rate.

I know with fish that very young fish dont often adapt to our tanks very well. I personally think this is because we fail to provide them with the correct nutrition to get them through phases of rapid growth and development, plus they dont handle the stress as well. I know a few inverts are the same way (like clams, very tiny clams must be feed zooplankton to survive, which at the amount the require means a very special, dedicated tank set up) but im not sure if this would apply to lobsters.

I knwo for Maine lobsters they sell special cold-water lobster tanks.

Thanks everybody.

About the Maine lobsters, this would make sense because of their climate. However the Spiny Lobster thrives in warm tropical waters. I guess there's only one way to find out if this will work!

Now, time to wait for this cycle...........