Everything You May or May Not Want to Know about Lobster
Lobster is a favorite dish for many, especially during special occasions. But how much do you know about this delicacy? This post will dive into ten fascinating lobster facts that may surprise you. From their long lifespan to how they grow, lobsters are much more than just a tasty treat.
First, we’ll look at how lobsters communicate with each other. Then, we’ll explore their amazing ability to regenerate limbs. You’ll also learn about their unique diet and how they’ve adapted to survive in the ocean. Plus, we’ll touch on how lobsters are caught and the sustainability efforts that are helping protect them.
Whether you’re a lobster lover or simply curious, these lobster facts will give you a new appreciation for this incredible creature. So, let’s crack open the shell and get started!
1. All Lobster Are Not The Same
Not all lobsters are created equal. There are several species, each with unique characteristics. The most well-known is the American lobster (Homarus americanus), found along the coasts of North America. It’s typically large, with a tough, reddish-brown shell. On the other hand, the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) is slightly smaller and has a blue-gray shell.
Size varies greatly among lobsters. While an average American lobster weighs around 1 to 2 pounds, some can reach up to 40 pounds! These giants are rare, but they do exist. Lobsters grow by molting, shedding their exoskeleton, and growing a new, larger one. This process takes time, and the size of the lobster depends on its age and how many molts it has gone through.
Lobsters also inhabit different environments. American lobsters are mostly found in deep, cold waters along the Atlantic coast. European lobsters prefer similar cold waters but are typically found in the Mediterranean and North Sea. Other species, like the spiny lobster (Panulirus), inhabit warmer waters, like the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans.
Interestingly, not all lobsters are considered edible. Some, like the spiny lobster, are prized for their tail meat, while others, like the less common rock lobsters, are less sought after due to their smaller size and different flavor profile.
2. Smart Lobsters Can Live A Long Time
Lobsters are surprisingly intelligent creatures with impressive problem-solving abilities and complex behaviors. They have a well-developed nervous system and can learn from experience.
Studies have shown that lobsters can remember specific actions, like which route to take in a maze or which areas to avoid. They communicate with each other through gestures, such as waving their claws, and use these signals to establish dominance or find mates. This ability to learn and adapt helps them survive in the wild.
Lobsters are remarkable when it comes to longevity. They can live for decades, with some reaching up to 100 years old! Their long lifespan is partly due to their ability to regenerate lost limbs and maintain their health as they molt. Each time they shed their exoskeleton, they get a little bit bigger and sometimes healthier, making them less vulnerable to diseases that affect other animals.
Interestingly, lobsters don’t show typical signs of aging. As they grow older, their growth rate slows down, but they continue to molt and live. Scientists have even studied lobsters’ cells for clues to aging and how their bodies remain relatively free from age-related illnesses. Their ability to regenerate and keep living without much decline is part of what makes lobsters so fascinating.
Online Source: Lobster & Lobster Tails
We don’t eat a lot of lobster except for special occasions, but if we did, I would not hesitate to purchase them from Lobster anywhere. And if I wanted to send lobsters or tails to family and friends, I would use them as my source. Lobster Anywhere has provided live Maine lobsters and premium seafood to white tablecloth restaurants, hotels, and large institutions throughout the United States for over three decades. They established an unparalleled reputation for serving customers with discerning tastes. If you want live Maine lobsters and fresh seafood delivered overnight for your business or special event, you can count on Lobster Anywhere to deliver.
3. Old Lobster = Big Lobsters
As lobsters age, they grow larger with each molt. However, this process takes time. Lobsters typically molt several times a year when they are young, but as they grow older, the frequency of molting decreases. When a lobster matures, it may molt only once every few years. The lobster’s body grows each time it molts, but it takes years to reach impressive sizes.
Older lobsters are generally much larger than their younger counterparts. The growth rate slows down, but because lobsters can live for decades, they can eventually become giants. Some lobsters can weigh over 20 pounds, and they may exceed 3 to 4 feet in length. The size is often linked to their age, with the oldest lobsters being the largest.
The largest recorded lobster was caught off the coast of Nova Scotia in 1977. Weighing a massive 44 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 3.5 feet long, this lobster was estimated to be about 100 years old. While such giants are rare, they are a testament to the lobster’s potential for growth over its long lifespan. It’s believed that lobsters can continue to grow throughout their lives, as long as they continue to molt and remain healthy.
Online Source: Lobster & Lobster Tails
We don’t eat a lot of lobster except for special occasions, but if we did, I would not hesitate to purchase them from Lobster anywhere. And if I wanted to send lobsters or tails to family and friends, I would use them as my source. Lobster Anywhere has provided live Maine lobsters and premium seafood to white tablecloth restaurants, hotels, and large institutions throughout the United States for over three decades. They established an unparalleled reputation for serving customers with discerning tastes. If you want live Maine lobsters and fresh seafood delivered overnight for your business or special event, you can count on Lobster Anywhere to deliver.4. Hard Shell Versus Soft Shell Lobsters
Lobsters come in two main types based on the condition of their shells: hard-shell lobsters and soft-shell lobsters. These two types differ primarily in their age, size, and the timing of their molting process.
Hard-shell lobsters have a tough, fully developed exoskeleton that provides maximum protection. They are typically older lobsters that have gone through several molts and have reached a certain size.
Since their shell is thick and hardened, hard-shell lobsters are prized for their firm meat, which is often preferred for cooking due to its texture and flavor. These lobsters are more resilient to handling and shipping, which is why they are commonly available in markets.
Soft-shell lobsters, on the other hand, have recently molted and still have a soft, flexible exoskeleton. These lobsters are typically younger or have recently grown to a larger size. Because their shells are still soft, they are more vulnerable and harder to handle, which is why they are less common in stores.
However, soft-shell lobsters have a distinct advantage: their meat is more tender and easier to extract from the shell. Many lobster lovers enjoy the delicate texture of soft-shell lobsters, although they have a shorter shelf life compared to their hard-shell counterparts.
Both types offer a delicious lobster experience, but the choice often comes down to preference for texture and how the lobster will be prepared.
Online Source: Lobster & Lobster Tails
We don’t eat a lot of lobster except for special occasions, but if we did, I would not hesitate to purchase them from Lobster anywhere. And if I wanted to send lobsters or tails to family and friends, I would use them as my source. Lobster Anywhere has provided live Maine lobsters and premium seafood to white tablecloth restaurants, hotels, and large institutions throughout the United States for over three decades. They established an unparalleled reputation for serving customers with discerning tastes. If you want live Maine lobsters and fresh seafood delivered overnight for your business or special event, you can count on Lobster Anywhere to deliver.5. Boy And Girl Lobsters Look Different
Male and female lobsters can be distinguished by a few noticeable differences in their appearance, though the variations are subtle. The most prominent feature is their claws.
Male lobsters typically have larger, more asymmetrical claws compared to females. The larger claw, known as the “crusher” claw, is usually more developed in males and is used for fighting and defending territory. The smaller claw, known as the “picker” claw, is used for fine manipulation, such as feeding. In contrast, female lobsters often have more evenly sized claws, with both claws being more similar in size.
Another key difference is in the tail structure. Female lobsters tend to have wider, broader tails compared to males. This helps accommodate the eggs they carry. Female lobsters also have a series of small, specialized flaps under their tails, called pleopods, which are used to carry and protect their fertilized eggs. Male lobsters do not have these flaps.
Additionally, the coloration of lobsters may vary slightly by sex, though this difference is less noticeable. Males and females may both have the typical dark greenish-brown color with specks, but in some species, females can have a slightly lighter or more muted tone, especially during certain stages of egg carrying.
These distinctions help researchers and lobster fishermen differentiate between the sexes, which is important for sustainable lobster harvesting and conservation efforts.
Online Source: Lobster & Lobster Tails
We don’t eat a lot of lobster except for special occasions, but if we did, I would not hesitate to purchase them from Lobster anywhere. And if I wanted to send lobsters or tails to family and friends, I would use them as my source. Lobster Anywhere has provided live Maine lobsters and premium seafood to white tablecloth restaurants, hotels, and large institutions throughout the United States for over three decades. They established an unparalleled reputation for serving customers with discerning tastes. If you want live Maine lobsters and fresh seafood delivered overnight for your business or special event, you can count on Lobster Anywhere to deliver.6. Let Them Eat “Lobster”
Online Source: Lobster & Lobster Tails
We don’t eat a lot of lobster except for special occasions, but if we did, I would not hesitate to purchase them from Lobster anywhere. And if I wanted to send lobsters or tails to family and friends, I would use them as my source. Lobster Anywhere has provided live Maine lobsters and premium seafood to white tablecloth restaurants, hotels, and large institutions throughout the United States for over three decades. They established an unparalleled reputation for serving customers with discerning tastes. If you want live Maine lobsters and fresh seafood delivered overnight for your business or special event, you can count on Lobster Anywhere to deliver.7. About Those Claws
Lobsters have two distinct types of claws, each with a specialized function. These claws are asymmetrical, meaning one is typically larger than the other, and their size and shape vary based on the lobster’s sex and age.
- The Crusher Claw: The larger of the two claws, the crusher claw, is designed to crush and break things apart. It is robust, with a wide, flat surface covered in bumpy ridges that help it exert great force. Lobsters use this claw primarily to crack open hard-shelled prey, such as mollusks and crustaceans. It’s also used in defense, allowing lobsters to defend themselves against predators or rivals. The crusher claw is especially large and powerful in male lobsters, often making it more noticeable than the smaller, finer claw.
- The Cutter (or Picker) Claw: The smaller claw, known as the cutter or picker claw, is sharper and more pointed. This claw is used for fine manipulation, such as tearing apart soft-bodied prey, picking through food, and handling smaller objects. Lobsters also use it for grooming themselves and for fighting with other lobsters. Despite being smaller, it’s quite effective for tasks that require precision rather than strength. In female lobsters, the two claws tend to be more similar, with the cutter claw still slightly smaller than the crusher.
Together, these claws help lobsters catch food, defend themselves, and interact with their environment. The different sizes and shapes of the claws also reflect their evolutionary adaptations to the lobster’s needs in the wild.
Online Source: Lobster & Lobster Tails
We don’t eat a lot of lobster except for special occasions, but if we did, I would not hesitate to purchase them from Lobster anywhere. And if I wanted to send lobsters or tails to family and friends, I would use them as my source. Lobster Anywhere has provided live Maine lobsters and premium seafood to white tablecloth restaurants, hotels, and large institutions throughout the United States for over three decades. They established an unparalleled reputation for serving customers with discerning tastes. If you want live Maine lobsters and fresh seafood delivered overnight for your business or special event, you can count on Lobster Anywhere to deliver.8. Not the Smartest Creature In the Sea
Despite their complex behaviors and impressive abilities, lobsters have relatively small brains. Their brains are quite tiny compared to the size of their bodies. A lobster’s brain is about the size of a pea or even smaller, depending on the species. It is located in the head, just behind the eyes, and coordinates most of the lobster’s bodily functions, including movement, sensory processing, and some basic decision-making.
Lobsters’ nervous systems are highly decentralized, meaning that much of their bodily control is managed by a series of ganglia (nerve clusters) distributed along their bodies. This allows lobsters to perform complex actions without relying entirely on the brain. For example, their legs and claws can function somewhat independently, so lobsters can still move or defend themselves even if part of their nervous system is damaged.
Despite the size of their brains, lobsters are capable of learning and adapting to their environment. They can remember certain experiences and make decisions based on past encounters, such as recognizing dangers or finding food sources. Although their brains may be small, lobsters’ behaviors and survival skills demonstrate that even a small brain can have a big impact on the animal kingdom.
Online Source: Lobster & Lobster Tails
We don’t eat a lot of lobster except for special occasions, but if we did, I would not hesitate to purchase them from Lobster anywhere. And if I wanted to send lobsters or tails to family and friends, I would use them as my source. Lobster Anywhere has provided live Maine lobsters and premium seafood to white tablecloth restaurants, hotels, and large institutions throughout the United States for over three decades. They established an unparalleled reputation for serving customers with discerning tastes. If you want live Maine lobsters and fresh seafood delivered overnight for your business or special event, you can count on Lobster Anywhere to deliver.9. Banded Together
The rubber bands on lobster claws serve an essential purpose: they protect both the lobsters and the people handling them. Handlers place these bands on the lobster’s claws to prevent them from using their powerful pinchers, which could cause injury.
Lobsters have strong claws, and when they feel threatened or stressed, they may instinctively snap their claws in defense. The rubber bands contain this natural reflex, ensuring the lobster cannot harm itself or anyone handling it. This makes lobsters safer to handle, especially during transport or while displayed in markets and restaurants.
Handlers usually place the rubber bands on the lobster’s crusher claw (the larger of the two) and the cutter claw. While the bands do not completely restrict movement, they limit the lobster’s ability to pinch or grasp. The bright colors of the bands make them easy for handlers to spot and remove before cooking.
Once the lobster is prepared for cooking, handlers remove the rubber bands. This simple precaution protects both the lobster and anyone interacting with it, ensuring that the lobster’s claws do not pose a risk.
The rubber bands also prevent lobsters from injuring each other. Lobsters can be highly territorial, especially in confined spaces like transport crates or holding tanks. If left unchecked, lobsters may fight, using their claws to attack or compete for space and food.
By securing the lobsters’ claws with rubber bands, handlers prevent aggressive behavior and reduce the risk of injury in crowded conditions. This creates a safer environment for all the lobsters involved. Once the lobsters reach their destination and are prepared for cooking, the bands are removed, allowing safe handling or cooking without the threat of clawing.
Online Source: Lobster & Lobster Tails
We don’t eat a lot of lobster except for special occasions, but if we did, I would not hesitate to purchase them from Lobster anywhere. And if I wanted to send lobsters or tails to family and friends, I would use them as my source. Lobster Anywhere has provided live Maine lobsters and premium seafood to white tablecloth restaurants, hotels, and large institutions throughout the United States for over three decades. They established an unparalleled reputation for serving customers with discerning tastes. If you want live Maine lobsters and fresh seafood delivered overnight for your business or special event, you can count on Lobster Anywhere to deliver.10. Lobster’s Diet
Lobsters are opportunistic feeders with a varied diet that reflects their role as scavengers in the ocean. They primarily eat:
Fish: Lobsters eat small fish when available. They often scavenge the remains of dead fish on the seafloor, using their strong claws to tear apart the carcasses.
Crustaceans: Lobsters also eat other crustaceans, such as smaller crabs, clams, and even other lobsters if they are weak or dead. They are cannibalistic, especially when food is scarce or when they are confined in crowded conditions.
Mollusks: Lobsters feed on mollusks like clams, oysters, and mussels. They use their crusher claw to break open the hard shells and access the soft meat inside.
Marine Worms: Lobsters consume marine worms they find while foraging on the ocean floor.
Algae and Plant Matter: While mostly carnivorous, lobsters occasionally eat plant matter like seaweed and algae, particularly when other food sources are limited.
Detritus: As scavengers, lobsters feed on detritus—decaying organic material—found on the seafloor. This helps them recycle nutrients and maintain the marine ecosystem.
Lobsters use their antennae and sensory hairs on their claws to detect food. Mostly nocturnal, they forage at night when they are less likely to be threatened by predators. Their diet supports growth, molting, and energy needs for survival in the wild.
Online Source: Lobster & Lobster Tails
We don’t eat a lot of lobster except for special occasions, but if we did, I would not hesitate to purchase them from Lobster anywhere. And if I wanted to send lobsters or tails to family and friends, I would use them as my source. Lobster Anywhere has provided live Maine lobsters and premium seafood to white tablecloth restaurants, hotels, and large institutions throughout the United States for over three decades. They established an unparalleled reputation for serving customers with discerning tastes. If you want live Maine lobsters and fresh seafood delivered overnight for your business or special event, you can count on Lobster Anywhere to deliver.
8 Responses
As stated in one of the lobster fun facts, they will eat almost anything they can get their claws on including other lobsters and even humans, if given the chances. So, don’t feel too guilty if you steam and eat a lobster every now and then.
That was a Ruth”less” thing to say.
I can’t believe my luck…lobsters too…
Having spent MANY a year dealing with seafood..here are my lobster facts..
1.You don’t have to turn a lobster upside down to tell if it’s male or female.Look at it from above.Look at the width of the tail.The female has a much wider tail than the male,it almost looks like she’s wearing a skirt !If you place a male and female next to each other,and compare,the difference will be quite evident.
2.You can hypnotize a lobster ! (It must have been a slow day at work).It’s a little difficult to explain,but bare with me…Pick up your lobster,hold both his (or her,see previous fact)claws in your left hand,and his body ,head pointing down,in your right,and gently lower him onto a solid,cold surface.Spread his claws a little,to the left and right,to form a ‘sort of’ tripod.Then gently stroke a finger down his carapace,towards the spike above his eyes a few times.
VOILA !! HE SLEEPS.He can be left like this for AGES.
Like I said,slow day at work.
3.Smoked lobster eggs have,in the past,been used as a poor mans caviar
4.The crushing power of a large (7 Kg plus) lobster has to be seen to be believed.It can put you in hospital.I’ve seen it happen.
5.The accepted,and humane way to kill a lobster,before putting it in the pot,is to drive a skewer through the mouth and into the brain.
That’s all,for now.Francois andre,ex-prof chef.bye-bye
“they don’t feel pain when immersed into hot water. I know there are some who disagree with this concept but I am not a scientist so I choose to believe it is true.”
How incredibly ignorant.. You don’t need to be a scientist to understand science. How about this, I’m not a scientist so I choose to believe humans don’t feel pain, so I’m going to pop you into a boiling pot of water ok?
James, scientists have not concluded either way whether lobsters feel pain when put into boiling water but they do know humans humans feel pain when boiled so your analogy is just silly and your comment rude. I am not a scientist but if I were, I would have to choose one position over the other and since I do boil my lobster, I choose to believe they don’t feel any pain. If you can definitively show me facts showing they do feel pain when cooked in boiling water, I will stop boiling them and find another way to prepare them for cooking.
According to Popular Science, lobster’s “brains aren’t much more complex than an insect’s. They only have a hundred thousand neurons, and no true centralized brain. They’ve got a set of ganglia (which is like a smaller, less organized brain made up of far fewer neurons) spread throughout their body. In terms of mental capacity, there’s a decent argument to be made that lobsters and crabs are just big bugs.”
That being said, the same article in Popular Science – https://www.popsci.com/swiss-lobster-pain – suggests “The answer seems to be: to chill. Not you—the lobster you’re hoping to eat. Putting cold-blooded animals like crustaceans (or insects) into a freezer or in icy water numbs them, and they don’t seem to have pain receptors that react to cold (they do live at the bottom of the ocean, after all). Of course, they’ll heat up as you put them in boiling water, but the transition seems to be fast enough that it shortens the time they flail about. Whether it actually changes what they feel is still uncertain, given how little we know about lobster pain in the first place. It may just help you feel better about it. But at least you’re giving your dinner a better chance at a gentle demise.”
And yet there are scientists who claim that lobsters actually feel pain worse than we do. We can choose to believe anything, I personally choose to use caution and not take the chance on causing them pain. Do No Harm! Apparently even plants can feel pain so….. human beings like to believe we are the most intelligent life on this planet and that has been proven incorrect, but the arrogance and self entitlement still exists and is even sadly growing.
Hi Marion, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the topic of lobsters. I’m very interested so please send me any studies you have found that say lobsters feel pain worse than we do. I would like to share it with my readers.
“I’m not a scientist, so I believe it is true”- well think again, and do some proper research. Cooking lobsters in hot water is infinitely cruel and barbaric. Scientists have proven a long time ago that they actually are very capable of feeling pain. If they are able to move away from ocean water areas that are just a few degrees to cold or too warm, imagine what they feel when being thrown in boiling water. The lack of a central nervous system does NOT imply the lack of capacity to feel pain. They also feel lonely, bored and depressed when they are awaiting their cruel deaths in tiny aquaria. They’re also starving, because restaurant owners refrain from giving them food, as that would require them to clean up their feces. Eating lobsters is IMMORAL.