American lobster

American Lobster

The American lobster (Homarus americanus) is a large marine crustacean found in the cold waters of the Northwestern Atlantic Ocean, especially around Maine, Massachusetts, and Canada. It is one of the most famous and commercially valuable seafood species in the world.

Appearance

American lobsters have a hard, dark shell that can appear brown, greenish, or bluish before cooking.

They have two large claws:

One is the crusher claw (big and strong).

The other is the pincer claw (smaller and sharper).

They can grow very large—some individuals weigh over 20 kg, making them one of the heaviest crustaceans.

Habitat

They live on the ocean floor, hiding among rocks and mud.

They prefer cold water ranging from 5–20°C.

American lobsters are mostly found from Labrador (Canada) down to North Carolina (USA).

Diet

They are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes:

Small fish

Clams and mussels

Sea urchins

Crabs

Dead organic matter

Behavior

They are mostly active at night.

Lobsters grow by molting, shedding their old shell and forming a new one.

They can live for a very long time—some may reach 50 years or more.

Importance

American lobster is a major part of the seafood industry, especially in Maine and Canadian Atlantic provinces.

The lobster fishery is worth billions of dollars each year.

Fun Facts

A lobster’s blood is blue because it contains copper instead of iron.

They have a very strong sense of smell and taste.

Lobsters can regenerate lost legs or claws.