Is this going to be trouble? Dottyback + lobster

[SecretiveFish]

I was wondering if anyone has housed a Dusky Dottyback (Pseudochromis fuscus) with a Debelius' Reef Lobster (or any dottyback for that matter)? This is the first dottyback I have ever had and have read horror stories about these little guys. The dottyback is currently housed with a Black Sailfin Blenny (Atrosalarias fuscus).

Tank in question is a 40T tank, and future plans for stock are the dottyback, the blenny, either a blue damsel or a yellow tail damsel, the lobster, snails, maybe a serpent or brittle star, and coral frags.

 

[Kahuna Tuna]

Your lobster will be safe unless its very small. It will however grow to the point it may become a danger to small passive fish and especially clean up crew like snails.

 

[snorvich]

Your lobster will be safe unless its very small. It will however grow to the point it may become a danger to small passive fish and especially clean up crew like snails.

Yes, the lobsters are not safe for other animals.

 

[SecretiveFish]

Huh, I did not know that about lobsters... I guess they are "reef safe" if all you have is corals? Not sure what to do with the lobster now...

 

[davelin315]

I think in general they are not reef safe, but can be considered to be somewhat safe. I have had 2 that never touched anything in the tank - snails, corals, fish, hermit crabs - except for detritus and food that settled to the bottom. I also had one that lived in very close quarters with an urchin and a featherduster and it didn't touch them at all.