10 Surprising Facts About Lobsters You Probably Don’t Know

Lobsters are one of the most fascinating creatures of the sea, weighing up to 45 pounds and living up to 100 years. They are considered a delicacy and are enjoyed around the world. But, there is much more to this crustacean than what meets the eye. In this article, we will explore ten little-known facts about lobsters that are sure to surprise you.

1. Lobsters Dine on Their Own Kind

Did you know that lobsters are known cannibals? Yes, it’s true. When food sources are scarce, they are known to eat their own kind. This behavior is not uncommon in the animal kingdom but is surprising in a creature that is often served as a fancy meal.

2. Not All Lobsters Are Red

The typical image of a lobster is a bright red color. However, not all lobsters are red. In fact, there are different species of lobsters, and their colors can range from a dark blue-green to brown and red. The red color of a lobster is actually caused by boiling, which turns them red.

3. Lobsters Have Their Own Way of Communicating

Lobsters communicate with each other through a series of sounds and gestures. They have two types of sounds, one for courtship and one for aggression. They also use their antennae to signal to each other.

4. Lobsters Have a Complex Social Hierarchy

Lobsters live in a complex social hierarchy, with dominant lobsters protecting their territory and subordinates trying to move up the ranks. Lobsters have been known to engage in physical fights to establish dominance.

5. Lobsters Can Regrow Lost Limbs

Lobsters have the extraordinary ability to regrow lost limbs. This ability allows them to adapt and survive in their environment, particularly when they lose a claw in a fight or to escape a predator.

6. Lobsters Have Blue Blood

Unlike humans who have red blood, lobsters have blue blood. The blue color is due to the presence of copper in their blood. This unique characteristic is also found in other crustaceans and is used in human medicine.

7. Lobsters Can Live for Over 100 Years

Lobsters are known to live very long lives, with some living up to 100 years. However, most lobsters are harvested before they reach this age. The oldest lobster ever recorded was 140 years old.

8. Lobsters Can Travel Great Distances

Lobsters can travel great distances, with some migrating over 100 miles a year. They do this to find new sources of food, breed, and escape predators.

9. Lobsters’ Mating is an Intricate Process

Lobsters mate in an intricate process that involves the female shedding her shell. The male then grasps the female with his claws and fertilizes the eggs as they are released. After mating, the female protects the eggs until they hatch.

10. Lobsters Have Inspired Advancements in Technology

The exoskeleton of a lobster has inspired advancements in technology. Scientists are studying the structure of the exoskeleton to improve the design of body armor, car parts, and more.

In conclusion, lobsters are more than just a fancy meal. They are fascinating creatures with unique characteristics and behaviors. From their complex social hierarchy to their regenerative abilities, there is much to learn about these creatures of the sea.