Its closest relative is the American Lobster (Homarus americanus), which is larger on average and greenish-brown rather than blue. Both belong to the genus Homarus.
9 to 24 in (23 to 60 cm)
Length
1.5 to 11 lbs (0.7 to 5 kg)
Weight
About
The European Lobster (Homarus gammarus) is a large clawed crustacean of the family Nephropidae, found along the rocky coastlines of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from northern Norway and the British Isles down to Morocco, and also throughout much of the Mediterranean Sea. Closely related to the American Lobster, this species is slightly smaller but equally impressive, highly valued in European fisheries and cuisine.
European Lobsters are distinguished by their dark blue to black carapace, often speckled with lighter markings. Their coloration is due to a combination of pigments, which turn the shell a bright red when cooked. Like their American relatives, they possess two unequal claws: a large “crusher” claw with rounded nodules for breaking shells and a narrower “cutter” claw with sharp edges for slicing. Adults typically grow to 9–24 inches (23–60 cm) in length and can weigh up to 9–11 pounds (4–5 kg), though most are smaller.
They favor rocky crevices and burrows in coastal waters, usually at depths of 13–150 feet (4–50 meters), where they remain hidden during the day. Nocturnal by nature, European Lobsters emerge at night to forage on fish, crabs, mollusks, and other invertebrates. They are opportunistic predators but will also scavenge when the opportunity arises.
Reproduction occurs in summer after females molt. Fertilized eggs are carried beneath the female’s tail for up to a year before hatching into planktonic larvae. Juveniles eventually settle on the seabed, where they grow and molt many times before reaching maturity.
This species can live for several decades, with some individuals exceeding 50 years of age. While considered relatively resilient, European Lobsters are vulnerable to overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes in ocean temperatures. Conservation measures, including size limits, closed seasons, and marine reserves, help protect populations.
The European Lobster’s striking coloration, ecological role, and long-standing cultural and culinary importance make it one of the most iconic crustaceans of European waters.
Threatened:
Extinct
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Least Concern
Physical Characteristics
The European Lobster (Homarus gammarus) is a large clawed crustacean closely related to the American Lobster, but distinguished by its coloration and distribution.
Coloration:
Typically dark blue to blue-black with lighter speckling across the carapace. The underside is usually cream or yellowish. Rare color morphs such as orange, calico, or albino individuals occasionally occur.
Head and Eyes:
They have compound stalked eyes capable of detecting movement and dim light. Two long antennae and smaller antennules extend forward, aiding in navigation and chemical sensing.
Body:
The segmented body is covered by a hard exoskeleton (carapace) that provides protection and must be molted for growth.
Claws (Chelipeds):
They have two unequal claws:
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Crusher claw: Larger and stronger, used to break open shells of prey.
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Cutter claw (pincer): Narrower and sharper, adapted for slicing and grasping.
Legs:
They possess four additional pairs of walking legs and swimmerets beneath the abdomen for grooming, carrying eggs, and swimming.
Tail (Abdomen):
The muscular tail ends in a broad fan-shaped uropod, allowing powerful backward swimming escapes.
Size:
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Length: Adults typically measure 9 to 24 in (23 to 60 cm).
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Weight: Most weigh 1.5 to 11 lbs (0.7 to 5 kg), though some can exceed 20 lbs (9 kg).
Sexual Dimorphism:
Females generally have broader tails for egg carrying, while males tend to have proportionally larger claws.
The European Lobster’s deep blue coloration, large claws, and armored exoskeleton make it one of the most striking and recognizable crustaceans in the eastern Atlantic.
Reproduction
The reproductive cycle of the European Lobster is slow and closely tied to molting and seasonal water temperatures.
Mating and Courtship:
Mating occurs shortly after the female molts, when her shell is soft. Males court females with displays of claw movements and physical contact before depositing sperm packets.
Breeding Season:
Breeding generally peaks in summer and early autumn, though timing varies by region and water temperature.
Fertilization:
Females store the male’s sperm in a special receptacle, sometimes for months, before fertilizing their eggs.
Egg Development:
Females produce 5,000 to 20,000 eggs, depending on size and age. Eggs are carried under the tail, attached to swimmerets, where they remain protected.
Incubation:
Eggs are incubated for 9 to 12 months, gradually changing color from bright orange to dark brown before hatching.
Hatching of Larvae:
Larvae hatch in summer, floating to the surface as plankton. They pass through three larval stages before settling on the seafloor as benthic juveniles.
Nurturing and Care:
Beyond carrying the eggs, females provide no additional care. Survival rates are extremely low, with only a tiny fraction of larvae reaching adulthood.
Maturity:
European Lobsters reach sexual maturity at 5 to 8 years, usually when they are about 10.5 in (27 cm) long.
The European Lobster’s long incubation period, high egg production, and reliance on larval dispersal reflect a reproductive strategy that balances low survival rates with high offspring output.
Lifespan
The European Lobster is a long-lived crustacean, with survival influenced by molting success, predation, and human harvesting.
Lifespan in the Wild:
They can live 40 to 50 years or more, with some individuals believed to surpass 70 years. Continuous molting and growth throughout life contribute to their longevity.
Lifespan in Captivity:
They can survive many years in aquariums or holding tanks if conditions are stable. However, stress, limited space, and disease can shorten their lifespan compared to the wild.
Threats to Longevity:
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Fishing Pressure: Heavy harvesting for food is the primary threat to their populations.
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Predation: Juveniles are vulnerable to fish, crabs, and octopuses, though adults face fewer natural predators.
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Molting Stress: Molting leaves lobsters vulnerable to predation and shell disease.
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Disease: Shell disease and parasites can weaken individuals and reduce survival.
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Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification threaten habitats and may disrupt reproduction and shell formation.
Conservation strategies—such as size limits, closed seasons, and marine protected areas—are essential to support the European Lobster’s natural longevity and ensure sustainable populations.
Eating Habits
The European Lobster is an opportunistic benthic predator and scavenger, adapted to life on rocky seabeds.
Diet:
They feed on a wide variety of prey, including fish, mollusks, crabs, sea urchins, and worms. They also scavenge on dead animals, playing a role in recycling nutrients on the seafloor.
Hunting Strategy:
Primarily nocturnal, they leave their burrows at night to forage. Lobsters rely on their strong sense of smell and touch, using antennae to detect prey.
Foraging Behavior:
They inhabit rocky, crevice-rich habitats that provide shelter and access to prey. Juveniles feed on small invertebrates, while adults can overpower larger, shelled organisms.
Feeding Technique:
The crusher claw breaks open hard shells, while the pincer claw slices and tears softer tissue. Food is then processed by mouthparts before ingestion.
Feeding Frequency:
They do not need to feed daily. Their slow metabolism and ability to store energy reserves allow survival during periods of limited food availability.
Adaptations:
Powerful claws, nocturnal activity, and a flexible diet make European Lobsters highly adaptable predators and scavengers across a range of coastal habitats.
The European Lobster’s dual role as a predator and scavenger makes it an important ecological player in maintaining healthy seafloor ecosystems.
Uniqueness
The European Lobster (Homarus gammarus) is a striking crustacean, known for its deep blue coloration, powerful claws, and economic importance in Europe.
Deep Blue Shell:
Unlike the green-brown American Lobster, the European Lobster typically has a blue to blue-black shell with pale speckling, making it visually distinctive.
Dual Claws:
They possess two specialized claws—a crusher claw for breaking shells and a cutter claw for slicing soft tissue—giving them a versatile feeding strategy.
Molting and Growth:
European Lobsters molt throughout their lives, shedding their hard exoskeleton to grow. This process allows them to reach impressive sizes and ages of 50+ years.
Color Variations:
Though usually blue, rare morphs such as orange, calico, or albino occur, making them prized finds among fishermen.
Regenerative Abilities:
They can regrow lost claws, legs, or antennae, enhancing survival in predator-rich environments.
Economic Importance:
The European Lobster fishery is a valuable industry across northern and western Europe, particularly in the UK, Ireland, France, and Scandinavia.
The European Lobster’s brilliant blue shell, long lifespan, and commercial value make it one of the most unique and sought-after crustaceans in the eastern Atlantic.
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FAQ’s
1. What species is closest to the European Lobster?
2. How does the European Lobster compare to other lobsters?
It is smaller than the American Lobster but recognized for its deep blue coloration. Like its relative, it has two specialized claws, unlike spiny or slipper lobsters.
3. What national parks provide the best opportunities to see a European Lobster?
They can be seen in marine reserves such as Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Wales, UK), Normandy’s Marine Protected Areas (France), and Kosterhavet National Park (Sweden).
