Animal Profiles
Crustaceans

Lobster

Nephropidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Clawed lobsters are bottom-dwelling crustaceans. This account follows the American lobster (Homarus americanus) of the northwestern Atlantic, which shelters among rocks and crevices.

Homarus americanus, the representative described in this account.

Homarus americanus, the representative described in this account.

At a glance

Location
American lobsters occur along the Atlantic coast of North America.
Habitat
Coast
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Molluscs, crustaceans and other animals are important foods, with plant material also eaten.

Classification

Common name
Lobster
Browse group
Crustaceans
Scientific name or taxon
Nephropidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Decapoda
Family
Nephropidae
Source classification
Malacostraca

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Large claws handle food.
  • Live animals are usually not bright red.
  • Growth requires molting.

Habitat and range

American lobsters occur along the Atlantic coast of North America. Rocky seabeds provide hiding places, though the animals also use sandy and muddy areas.

Appearance and adaptations

The body is usually brownish or greenish rather than the bright red associated with cooking. Large front claws differ in shape, and long sensory appendages explore the surroundings.

Diet and behaviour

Molluscs, crustaceans and other animals are important foods, with plant material also eaten. Lobsters commonly forage at night and shelter during the day. Molting allows their rigid outer covering to be replaced as they grow.

Sources

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