The scientific order of lobster is Reptantia. Lobsters are marine, reptant - crawling rather swimming elongate, crustaceans with a cephalothorax, a 6 segmented abdomen and 10 walking legs.
There are three main types of clawed lobsters:
*homarid clawed lobsters, represented by one species the American Clawed Lobsters
*nephropid clawed lobsters belonging to the genus Metanephrops
*spiny lobster also known as rock lobster
American lobster may also be called Maine lobster or northern lobster.
It is extensively fished off the coasts of Newfoundland southwards to North Carolina chiefly with creels set inshore but it is also trawled in offshore waters.
American clawed lobster supports the most productive lobster fisher in the world. It’s estimated that 90 percent of Maine lobsters will end up on somebody’s dinner plate.
The first thing most people notice when admiring a lobster is its two strong claws.
Each lobster contains a beefier crusher claw for pulverizing shells and a smaller pincher claw with serrated edges for tearing soft flesh.
The lobster uses these claws for self-defense, as well as for gripping and destroying its food.
The average lobster will live 15 years, ranging from 8-24 inches in length and 1-9 pounds in weight.
American clawed lobster, Homarus americanus
