Lobsters can be divided into three families: the Palinuridae (Spiny Lobster), the Scyllaridae (Slipper Lobster), and the Nephropidae (ordinary Lobsters). Found in most marine environments, they inhabit the sandy bottom or the crevasses of rocky formations. Generally these animals are nocturnal, feeding at night, but most adapt well to the aquarium lighting.

Spiny Lobsters are characterized by a complete lack of the large claws associated with Lobsters. Their first set of antennae is split at the end (like hermit crabs) and the second pair is greatly enlarged with a thick, "spiny," basal segment. Growing up to 16", some Spiny Lobsters are captured for food. At this size they will consume most other invertebrates, tubeworms, and small fish in the aquarium.

Slipper Lobsters lack a long antenna; instead, the second pair is modified into large, shovel-like structures used to dig in the substrate for food and to bury the Lobster for defense. While their nocturnal behavior will decrease their attractiveness for the home aquarium, they are totally safe with all invertebrates and fish with the exception of short-spined Urchins.

The last family, Nephropidae, include the larger, commercially caught food Lobsters and several tropical lobsters of the genus Enoplometopus. These brightly colored Lobsters make good aquarium inhabitants, rarely growing over 6" to 7". The claws will usually be over 1/3 of the total body length and are primarily used to capture and guide food to the mouth. They will usually accept prepared foods and bits of meaty foods.

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