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Lobster. Ocean Science 120. Reef Lobster. Lobsters belong to the large marine family of crustaceans. Lobsters are economically important as seafood, forming the basis of a global industry that nets more than $1 billion annually.
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Lobster Ocean Science 120
Reef Lobster • Lobsters belong to the large marine family of crustaceans. Lobsters are economically important as seafood, forming the basis of a global industry that nets more than $1 billion annually. • There are a variety of crustaceans classified as lobster, but not all lobster are closely related. • The closest relative to the clawed lobster are reef lobster.
Lobsters are ten legged cold water species. They have poor eyesight but they developed a strong sense of smell and taste. • Lobsters are invertebrates and have a very protective exoskeleton. In order for the lobster to grow, they must molt, which is the shedding of the exoskeleton. • Life span of about 50 years.
Habitat • Lobster are found in all oceans. • They live on the rocky and sandy parts of the ocean floor. They usually hide in crevices and under rocks.
Food • Lobsters are omnivores but they feed primarily on fish and mollusks. They will consume algae and other plant life and even other lobsters.
Females • Females carry their eggs under their abdomens for up to a year before releasing them as larvae into the water. The larvae go through several stages in the water column before settling on the bottom. When they reach the bottom they spend the rest of their lives there.
Population • Populations of lobster species are declining, due to overfishing. Additionally, pollution is causing their shells to rot and other illnesses and diseases.
