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Lobster
Family Nephropidae (Homaridae)
The family of true lobsters includes the Norwegian lobster, American lobster and European lobster - all of which are characterised by the presence of large, uneven claws.
Subspecies
Family Nephropidae (Homaridae) includes the 'true lobsters' of the genus Nephrops (the Norwegian lobster or Dublin Bay prawn) and Homarus (American and European lobsters).
Life span
Some lobsters may live for 50-100 years.
Statistics
According to the Guinness book of Records the largest lobster caught, an American Lobster, Homarus americanus, weighed 20.1kg (44lbs 6oz).
Distribution
They are found worldwide.
Habitat
All lobsters are bottom-dwelling, walking marine animals. Most are nocturnal and spend much of their time hidden in holes.
Diet
Lobsters are scavengers but also eat live fish, small molluscs and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates as well as seaweed.
Behaviour
Most activity is nocturnal, and they tend to rely on touch and vibrations rather than vision. Bristles on the body and legs also act as chemical sensors.
Reproduction
Sperm is transferred from males to females in summer, but fertilisation is not until spring, after which 3,000 or more eggs might be laid. These remain attached to the female's swimmerets until they hatch several months later.
The young swim freely for about 12 days before descending to the bottom, where they then remain.
Conservation status
The lobster fishery is the most valuable fishery on the Atlantic coast of the United States and Canada and is carefully monitored. Lobsters are not considered endangered.
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