With so many different types of creatures calling our seas home, it’s always fun when we get to look a little closer at some of the most fascinating marine animals. In this blog, we’ll be explaining more about the lobster and all the components that make up its appearance, so that you can share a fact or two with your friends and family on your next trip to Tynemouth Aquarium!
What is a lobster?
A lobster is a type of crustacean, specifically from the malacostraca class of crustaceans. This class also contains the likes of crabs and crayfish. Lobsters are classified under the Nephropidae or Homaridae family, which includes clawed lobster species.
Lobsters are very easily recognisable, and there are around 30 species of clawed lobsters, which are usually referred to as ‘true’ lobsters. There are also spiny or rock lobsters that lack front claws.
Some of the most common species include the European lobster (Hommarus gammarus) and the rock or spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas). Lobsters live in all oceans, usually in rocky or muddy habitats where they hide in crevices. You’ll find both of the species mentioned along the UK coast.
Lobster anatomy explained
So, what should you know about the anatomy of a lobster? From their unmistakable claws to their unique body shape, we’ll take you through the characteristics of a lobster’s appearance.
Anatomy of a lobster poster
To help with our explanation of the lobster’s anatomy, here’s a visual poster so that you can see with your very own eyes! We’ll explain each body part in more detail below…
Claws
Lobsters have two different types of claws, which are used for different purposes. One is larger with a blunter edge, known as the crusher claw. This is ideal for crushing its food, such as clams and mussels and is incredibly strong. The other claw is known as a pincher claw, which is typically smaller and more agile. This can be used for grabbing or tearing apart softer food like fish or worms.
Interestingly, lobsters have been known to have a dominant claw, just like humans have a dominant hand. Their claws are classed as two of their ten legs.
Antennae
Lobsters have two different types of antennae that act as sensory organs. The larger pair are used for touch and as a navigation tool. They can also sometimes be used in defence to swat away rivals or predators. The smaller pair are covered in specialised fine hair, used to detect motion and chemicals in the water – perfect for finding food.
Eyes
A lobster’s eyes are incredibly unique, featuring thousands of tiny, mirrored tubes as opposed to a rounded lens. They rely on reflection to focus light, instead of refraction used for human eyesight.
They are known as compound eyes and are located on the end of a movable stalk, providing the lobster with a 180 degree field of view. Lobsters do not see images as clearly as we do, but instead, their eyes are better suited for detecting motion and light, which is helpful for their murky habitats.
Legs
As mentioned earlier, a lobster’s claws are classed as two of their legs, but they have ten in total. The other eight legs are primarily used for walking. Interestingly, lobsters can regenerate their legs and claws through the process of molting, where they shed their old exoskeleton as they grow. While it can take some time for the leg to grow to its original size, it’s an incredible process known as reflex amputation.
Carapace
The carapace of a lobster is essentially its shell, made of a strong material called chitin, combined with calcium carbonate. It’s a fascinating structure as it provides the necessary protection for the lobster, but also allows for flexible movement. The lobster will shed this shell as it grows, leaving a new, softer shell that hardens over time. Younger lobsters will molt multiple times a year, before slowing down in their adult life.
Abdomen
Interestingly, the abdomen of a lobster actually refers to its tail. You can identify this part by the segmented appearance, with segments that are used to help the lobster swim quickly backwards. This is helpful when faced with a threat, as it helps the lobster to escape.
Tail fin
The lobster’s tail fin refers to the very end of its tail, which is made up of two parts: the central part known as the telson, and the outer tail fins known as uropods. The tail fin helps with movement and balance.
Spot lobsters at Tynemouth Aquarium
So, there’s a whole host of things you might not have known about a lobster’s anatomy! You can see a couple of these incredible creatures right here at Tynemouth Aquarium, learn more below…
European lobster
The European lobster is also known as the common lobster, and can be found in relatively shallow waters all around the UK. They can typically grow to around 50-60cm in length, and are usually bluish-black or greenish-brown. They are thought to live between 45-50 years.
You can find our very own European lobster in our Crab Cave in our Weird & Wonderful exhibit.
Rock lobster
The rock lobster, also commonly known as the spiny lobster, lacks the large claws of the common lobster. Instead, they have two small hook-like claws and are usually orange-brown in colour. Rock lobsters also live in crevices, hiding in the day and coming out to feed at night. You can find them around the South West of England and Wales, and the West Coast of Scotland.
You can see a rock lobster for yourself in our St Mary’s Island exhibit.