fresh water blue lobsters.

Question
I have a 35 gallon tank and need to ask.  I have two blue lobsters in there.  I not sure of their real name because they look like a lobster and they are blue.  I would like to know how often they shed their shell?  I would allso like to know how many fish in a take that size.  I have 5 goldfish (4" long each),one kissing fish, One sucker fish about 5 inchs long.  I also habe a bunch of neons someone gave me.  They all get along so thats not a problem.  I am thankful for you reading this and hope to hear from you soon.    Virginia

Answer
Hi Virginia,

Freshwater lobsters shed their shell approximately a 2-6 times per year, depending on growth and conditions. It depends on the individual lobster.

I don't really understand your second question: Did you want to know how many more fish you can keep in there? Well, first of all, you have way too many fish in there. Don't add any more fish!

Unfortunately, you have quite a few problems with your tank:

A Plecostomus (suckermouth fish) must be kept in an aquarium of no less than 50 gallons. They will reach an adult size of 24", if kept properly! You will need to return or give away the Plecostomus, or get a larger tank.

Goldfish cannot be kept with tropical fish! Goldfish require temperatures of 70F or below, while tropical fish need temperatures of 75F and above! What temperature is your tank? If it's below 70, then you will have to remove/give away your tropical fish (kissing gourami, pleco, Neons). If your temperature is 75F or greater, you'll have to give away the Goldfish. Why? Because these fish are not compatiblw with each other, to put it simply.

You may be thinking, "Well, they're doing fine". Well, they are probably suffering, but trying to make the best out of the situation. Fish kept in the wrong temperature will probably live 1/2 of their full lifespan, if you're lucky.  If you don't remove one of the types (coldwater/tropical), then one of the species will die prematurely, due to the temperature.

The best solution is to get another tank, of no less than 30 gallons, to put the Goldfish in. Then, you can purchase a heater for your tropical fish so that you can set the right temperature (78F) for them.

If you can't do that, then you'll have to give away some of the fish.
I'm sorry I had to be the one to tell you, but the truth is better than the death of your fish.

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!