An iconic Atlantic crustacean that can live 50–100 years and weigh up to 44 pounds. Their populations are climate-stressed in southern New England (water too warm) but booming in Maine — for now.

Also called: Maine Lobster, Northern Lobster

Native status: Native; coastal northeastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeCarapace 8–30 cm typical; total length 25–65 cm; largest verified 1.07 m and 20.1 kg
WeightAverage 0.5–1.0 kg market size; legal minimum varies 0.45–0.50 kg
LifespanWild typically 30–50 years; verified specimens over 100 years; possibly indefinite (do not undergo cellular senescence)
OrderDecapoda
FamilyNephropidae

§ Encyclopedia

The American lobster is a species of lobster found on the Atlantic coast of North America, chiefly from Labrador to New Jersey. It is also known as Atlantic lobster, Canadian lobster, true lobster, northern lobster, Canadian Reds, or Maine lobster. It can reach a body length of 64 cm (25 in), and a mass of over 20 kilograms (44 lb), making it not only the heaviest crustacean in the world, but also the heaviest of all living arthropod species. Its closest relative is the European lobster Homarus gammarus, which can be distinguished by its coloration and the lack of spines on the underside of the rostrum. American lobsters are usually bluish green to brown with red spines, but several color variations have been observed.

Source: Wikipedia — American lobster Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Dark olive-green to brown crustacean with large claws (one larger "crusher" claw, one smaller "pincher" claw — handedness is random). Two pairs of long antennae. Red color appears only after cooking.

Similar species. European Lobster (Old World, no spines on rostrum). Spiny Lobster (no large claws; tropical). Crayfish (much smaller; freshwater).

Voice. Sometimes "stridulates" by rubbing antennae against rostrum.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Fish, crabs, mussels, sea urchins, sea stars, other lobsters (cannibalism common).

Behavior. Possibly biologically immortal — lobsters do not show signs of cellular aging and could theoretically live centuries. Death is usually from inability to molt successfully (energy cost of molting becomes prohibitive for very large old individuals). Iconic Maine lobster fishery is one of the most economically valuable US fisheries. Climate change is shifting the species range north; Gulf of Maine waters are warming faster than 99% of the world's oceans.

§ Range

Northwest Atlantic from Newfoundland to North Carolina

§ Habitat

Cold rocky bottoms, coastal waters, estuaries

§ Threats

Climate-driven warming pushing lobsters north, ocean acidification weakening shells, bycatch of right whales in lobster gear.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the american lobster is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Choose Marine Stewardship Council-certified lobster. Support whale-safe fishing gear. Reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Maine Department of Marine Resources
  • Gulf of Maine Research Institute
  • Lobster Institute University of Maine
  • IUCN Red List 2011