One of the marine animals that people associate the most with the Maritimes is the lobster (Homarus americanus). While they are a tasty meal (dipped in melted butter!) they are also a very interesting animal that comes in a variety of colours and sizes, many of which can be found at the Huntsman’s Fundy Discovery Aquarium. Recently, I read a fascinating book called The Secret Life of Lobsters by Trevor Corson. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in lobster biology or just lobsters in general.
Lobster info:
· Lobsters can be right or left handed depending on which side the crusher claw is on.
· Lobsters can regenerate lost legs, claws and antennae but not eyes.
· A commercial size lobster is about 7-8 years old.
· A female needs to be soft (just moulted) to mate.
· After moulting a lobster will consume some of its old shell to take in calcium to harden its new shell.
Junior - a juvenile on display during a presentation to students
Lily - one of our blue lobsters
Pumpkin - our spotted lobster
Caught during a fish trawl for one of our visiting schools...
...no, we can't keep them! :)
A rare "yellow" lobster...1 in 30 million.
After moulting the lobster has been nibbling away at its old exoskeleton (shell).
Notice the soft new leg growing.
