American Lobster

Homarus americanus

The American Lobster, scientifically known as *Homarus americanus*, is a crustacean native to the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, predominantly found from Newfoundland and Labrador to North Carolina. This iconic marine species is renowned for its large, robust body and distinctive claws, which are asymmetrical, with one developed as a crusher and the other as a cutter. Their body coloration typically ranges from greenish-brown to blue and can occasionally exhibit rare color variations like yellow or albino. Adult American Lobsters can reach weights of over 40 pounds and lengths up to 25 inches, though individuals of these sizes are uncommon. They thrive on the ocean floor in rocky, cold-water environments where they seek shelter during the day and emerge at night to hunt for a variety of prey, from mollusks to fish. American Lobsters play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as both predators and prey, and they are also a significant source of economic value, being one of the most commercially harvested lobsters in the world. Their lifecycle includes a fascinating molting process, which is essential for growth and reproduction.