What You Should Know About Lobsters
Lobsters are long-lived and very interesting sea creatures that live in the depths of the seas. Lobsters belong to the class of crustaceans and have an important place in gastronomy around the world due to their meaty structure and rich nutritional value. Their bodies are covered with a hard exoskeleton and they usually have two strong pincers. These claws are highly effective for catching prey and defending themselves. One of the most remarkable features of lobsters is that they can continue to grow for a lifetime. They change shells throughout their lives, shedding their old shells in the process to form a new, larger shell. This shell change also ensures their growth process.
What do lobsters look like?
Lobsters are known for their hard outer shell and symmetrical body structure. Their abdominal area is highly muscular, which allows them to swim. Their bodies are usually dark green or brown in color, but they turn bright red when cooked. The most prominent part of their body is their large jaws, one of which is sharp and powerful, while the other is broader and crushing.
What do lobsters feed on?
Lobsters are usually carnivores, but can sometimes show herbivorous characteristics. Their main prey are small fish, molluscs, marine worms and other sea creatures. They are also scavengers and can feed on organic material they find on the seafloor.
How do lobsters reproduce?
Lobsters go through a very interesting process during their mating season. The female lobster is ready to mate at a time when she is soft while changing shells. During this period, the male lobster releases sperm into a sac called the spermatheca. The female then uses these sperm to fertilize her eggs and attach them to the underside of their bodies. The eggs hatch after a few weeks and the tiny larvae are released into the water.
Curiosities About Lobster Species
Lobsters are crustaceans that live in the sea and come in a variety of species. Often recognized for their strong jealousy, hard shells and long life spans, lobsters are found in oceans around the world. The different species differ according to their habitats and regional characteristics. The most well-known lobster species are the following:
Continental Margin Lobster (Metanephrops challengeri): Living on the seafloor in the Pacific Ocean, this species is rarer than other lobsters and inhabits deep-sea habitats.
American Lobster (Homarus americanus): This species lives in the northern parts of the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its large size and delicious meat. Usually reaching 50 cm in length, the American lobster is one of the most commercially hunted species.
European Lobster (Homarus gammarus): Found along the coasts of Europe, this species resembles the American lobster, but its color is darker shades of blue and black. It has an important place both commercially and gastronomically.
Spiny Lobster (family Palinuridae): This species differs from other lobster species by its long antennae and smaller pinchers. It is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. It is a sought-after species in the world of gastronomy as its meat is highly prized.
Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii): This species inhabits rocky areas in the South Pacific, especially around Australia and New Zealand. It is similar to the spiny lobster and has strong swimming abilities.
Norwegian Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus): Usually found along the northern coast of Europe, this species of lobster is smaller in size and usually grows up to 20-25 cm in length. It is characterized by its delicious meat and is also fished commercially.
Things to Know About the American Lobster (Homarus americanus)
The American lobster is one of the largest and most popular lobster species inhabiting the northern shores of the Atlantic Ocean, especially in Canada and Maine, USA. Known for its size and durability, the American lobster also has a very important place in gastronomy. Here’s what you need to know about this species;
The American lobster can usually reach a length of 50 cm, but some individuals can grow up to 1 meter. Their weight averages around 4-5 kg, but some record-breaking lobsters have reached up to 20 kg. Their strong jealousy helps them to catch their prey effectively and serves to protect them from predators. Their body color is usually greenish-brown or bluish-black, which allows them to be camouflaged in their natural habitat.
What is the American Lobster fed?
American lobsters are carnivores and scavengers. They feed on crabs, sea urchins, fish and mussels on the seafloor. They also feed on the corpses of creatures they cannot hunt or find. Because they are nocturnal, they usually go hunting at night. This adaptation allows them to survive in the marine ecosystem for a long time.
Where Does the American Lobster Live?
The American lobster prefers the cool, deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean. They usually live on the rocky seafloor, around coral reefs or among seaweed beds. Found at depths of up to 500 meters, this species is especially abundant off the coast of Maine and plays a major role in the economy of this region.
How American Lobster Reproduces
Female American lobsters carry their fertilized eggs in their lower abdomen and guard them for several months. A female can lay up to 10,000 eggs each breeding season. The hatchlings initially swim in the upper layers of the water during the planktonic stage, then descend to the seafloor as they mature.
Economic and Commercial Importance
The American lobster is of great economic value, especially in the US state of Maine. Lobster fishing is the livelihood of many people in this region. Exported around the world both fresh and frozen, American Lobster is often included in the menus of restaurants.
