European lobster (Homarus gammarus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Homarus gammarus
- Common name
- European lobster
- Category
- Crustaceans
- Family
- Nephropidae
- Genus
- Homarus
- Size
- 20–60 cm
- Depth
- 0–150 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky, reef
- Behaviours
- nocturnal, solitary
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean, Macaronesia
Description
Homarus gammarus is a large crustacean reaching 60 cm. Dark blue marbled color, rarely red or yellow. Two asymmetric claws: a stout crusher and a slender cutter. Nocturnal, spends the day in a crevice. Slow growth (3 to 5 years to legal size). Iconic along Brittany and British coasts.
Photo of European lobster
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the European lobster?
- European lobster (Homarus gammarus) reaches 20–60 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the European lobster?
- European lobster is found between 0–150 m deep.
- Is the European lobster dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the European lobster?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the European lobster?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean, Macaronesia.
Other species in the family Nephropidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 107253)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5972003)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia