european lobster

Scientific name Homarus gammarus
Descriptor Linnaeus
Year of description 1758
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Nephropidae
Genus Homarus
Homarus gammarus Homarus gammarus

Introduction

Homarus gammarus, commonly known as european lobster, is a salt water crustacea.

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Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    40 cm
  • Maximum size
    65 cm
  • Longevity
    80 year
  • Mimicry
    rocky bottoms
  • Average size
    40 cm
  • Maximum size
    65 cm
  • Longevity
    80 year
  • Mimicry
    rocky bottoms

How to recognize the european lobster ?

The european lobster measures between 40 and 65 cm. this crustacea is bicolore with a predominantly bleu and orange body.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • Sociability
    solitary
  • territorial
    No
  • Venomous
    No
  • Way of living
    nocturnal

Like all crustaceans, The european lobster molts whenever it becomes cramped in its shell. Before the hardening of its new body, it is more vulnerable and spends a good part of its time hidden. This mechanism, very complex, allows the periodic renewal of the exoskeleton and part of the internal skeleton. It is also during the moult that the females become fertile.

The european lobster is a crustacea solitary naturally found on the bottom. This species is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency . this crustacea lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.

Although the european lobster is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species. In a constant quest for dominance, the dominant males of this species cannot stand each other. The battle between two individuals can be intense and violent. It will result in the submission and sometimes even death of one of the protagonists.

Reproduction

this crustacea protects its eggs from nearby predators.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Depth
    0 - 150 m

Biotope presentation

The european lobster is most often found at a depth between 0m and 150m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.

This species lives in decaying vegetation (branches, leaves) in low current areas.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

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Aurélien Calas

Aurélien Calas

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Where to see this species?

Scientific partners

Species of the same biotope

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