Lobsters are fascinating creatures with a complex body structure adapted perfectly for their life on the rocky ocean floor. Those intimidating pincers and meaty tail get all the attention but lobster legs are equally interesting. In this guide we’ll explore lobster leg anatomy, covering topics like
- How many legs does a lobster have?
- Names and functions of different leg types
- Claw anatomy and terminology
- Details on walking legs and swimmerets
- How lobster legs compare to other crustaceans
- Tips for getting lobster leg meat when dining
Understanding the parts of a lobster’s many legs will help you appreciate these creatures even more. So let’s crack into lobster leg lingo!
How Many Legs Does a Lobster Have?
Lobsters have a total of 10 legs. This includes:
- 2 large front claws (also called pincers or chelae)
- 2 smaller pairs of walking legs
- 4 pairs of swimmerets
The front pair of legs possesses the large crushing and cutting claws that lobsters are known for. The next two pairs are for walking along the seafloor. The remaining four pairs are tiny swimmerets used for balance and swimming.
So in total lobsters have 10 appendages specialized for different functions.
Lobster Claw Anatomy and Terminology
Let’s start with the iconic lobster claws. Each lobster has two large front claws, with one typically bigger than the other. Here are the proper terms for lobster claw anatomy:
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Crusher claw The larger more powerful claw used for crushing and grasping prey. Sometimes called the “crusher.”
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Pincer or cutter claw: The smaller, sharper claw used for tearing flesh. Also called the “pincher.”
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Dactyl: The movable part of the claw that opens and closes.
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Propus: The fixed part of the claw attaching it to the body.
The crusher and pincer claws perfectly complement each other – one for crushing hard shells, the other for shredding soft tissue. This allows lobsters to handle all types of prey.
Walking Legs: For Mobilizing Along the Seafloor
Behind the large front claws, lobsters have two more pairs of jointed walking legs. These legs end in small pincers and allow the lobster to mobilize along the rocky seafloor to hunt prey or evade predators.
Walking legs contain strips of meat, though they require some work to extract. Many diners opt to suck and nibble meat from cracks in the shells.
Swimmerets: For Swimming and Balance
The four remaining pairs of lobster legs are called swimmerets. These are located under the tail and are much smaller than the front legs.
Swimmerets help lobsters swim and maintain balance. Rows of feathery bristles move in synchronous waves, propelling lobsters swiftly backwards through the water to escape threats.
Females also use swimmerets to carry eggs until they hatch.
How Lobster Legs Compare to Other Crustaceans
Lobsters belong to a group called decapod crustaceans, along with crabs and shrimp. “Decapod” refers to their ten legs. Here’s how lobster legs compare:
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Crabs have ten legs like lobsters, but with equal-sized front claws for grasping and crushing. They move sideways, not forward.
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Shrimp have ten legs, but the front two are small pincers not large claws. The other legs are for walking or swimming.
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Crayfish resemble small lobsters with large front claws, a muscular tail, and eight walking legs.
So while they share the signature 10 legs, lobsters have a distinct body plan all their own.
Enjoying Lobster Leg Meat
When dining on whole lobster, don’t forget about the tasty morsels in the legs! Here are some tips:
- Use lobster crackers to open the walking legs and extract meat.
- Try dipping legs in drawn butter and sucking out meat.
- Place legs on a baking sheet to roast lightly and pull meat out.
- Add cracked legs to seafood stews or broths to infuse flavor.
While not as substantial as the claws or tail, lobster leg meat provides an extra treat for diligent diners. Now that you know all about lobster legs, you can tackle your crustacean with more confidence!
Frequency of Entities:
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How can you tell if a boiled lobster was alive when cooked?
When a lobster dies, its tail loses its elasticity and ability to curl under the body. When plunged into boiling water, a live lobster curls its tail under. It remains in that position during and after cooking.
Do lobsters lay eggs?
Yes, lobsters lay eggs. A freshly-laid lobster egg is the size of the head of a pin (1/16″). A 1-pound female lobster usually carries approximately 8000 eggs. A 9-pound female may carry more than 100,000 eggs. The female lobster keeps the eggs inside her for 9 to 12 months. After that, the eggs stay attached to her swimmerets under her tail for another 9 to 12 months. When the eggs hatch, the larvae will float near the surface for 4 to 6 weeks. The few that survive will settle to the bottom and continue to develop as baby lobsters. From every 50,000 eggs, only two lobsters are expected to survive to legal size.
How to microwave lobster legs.
What are the parts of a lobster called?
Carapace: The main body of a lobster from its eyes to the start of its tail. Claws: The more familiar name of a lobster’s front legs is its claws, which are used to fight off predators and catch food. The larger of the two claws is called a crusher, and the smaller one is a pincer. Cock and Hen: Male and female lobster, respectively.
What are the claws of a lobster called?
The crusher and pincer claws are the first two legs of a lobster, and they are responsible for the lobster’s striking predator appearance. The larger of the two claws, known as the “crusher claw,” is used to break shells. And its smaller counterpart, named the picking/cutting claw, helps tear prey.
How many claws does a lobster have?
Lobsters use the eight back legs to walk. The front legs have claws called pincers. Claws: Lobsters use their claws to catch food and battle predators and other lobsters. The larger of the two claws is called the crusher claw, and the smaller claw is called the pincer or cutter claw.
How many legs does a lobster have?
In the State of Maine, legal lobsters are measured by shell length. Lobsters under 3 ¼ inches or over five inches must return to the water. Legs: Lobsters have 10 legs. The four pairs of legs contain small strips of meat that take some work to remove. Lobsters use the eight back legs to walk. The front legs have claws called pincers.