Lobster 101

By Anthony Lin

You know them, you love them (maybe), you associate them with luxury. Lobsters are one of the most renowned seafood items the world. It's why "my steak is too juicy and my lobster is too buttery" is used to describe someone complaining about "first world problems" or problems that other people would kill to have like having too much disposable income.  But let's look past the shell and weird orb eyes and and a look at the lobster from a more biological perspective.

Quick Breakdown

Credit: LobsterAnywhere.com

Lobsters are technically arachnids (same with spiders) so having 8 legs is part of the deal. The crusher claw is typically the beefier, rounder claw while the pincer clay is pointier but smaller. Most of the meat you consume is within the claws, carpus, abdomen, and legs. The head is where the lobster's brain and internal organs are, in some cultures they're a prized delicacy but they have a very strong flavor and might upset some with sensitive palates/stomachs. You'll usually see this part either cleaned out or thrown into the stock pot. 

Male and Female Lobsters

Male Lobster is on the left, Female lobster is on the right

Unlike other animals who have clear sex-defining characteristics, lobsters are a little less obvious, though not impossible for those who are observant. In general, male lobsters have larger claws and a smaller tail (relative to their body). Think of Larry from Spongebob, his claws were ginormous while he clearly looked like he skipped leg (tail?) day. Female lobsters are the opposite, with small claws and a big tail (again, relative to their body). This is to help distribute and carry roe (unfertilized eggs) within their bodies. 

Unlike other species like crabs, its actually not illegal to catch or consume female lobsters, with one clear eggception. If the lobster is berried, meaning that their roe is outside of their body, they must be released in order to lay their eggs. Other than that, they're fair game. 

Credit: University of Maine

This lobster's roe is outside of her body, meaning she's getting ready to lay her eggs. It's illegal to keep berried lobsters, so she must be released.

Looking for your own lobster?

We sell live lobster out of our Seattle location in 2 sizes, small (around 1.5 lbs) and large (3-4 lbs). Bring one home today and bemoan how buttery it is. Live Lobster