Many parts make up a lobster, and some parts are not all as well known as others. Actually, once you take a closer look at a whole lobster, some of what you see might be a mystery.
In this section, we’ll walk you through the major lobster parts you’ll notice when you handle, cook or eat your lobster:
Cold-water lobsters have two large, distinct claws that contain meat, we have lobster claws for sale on our website. Claw muscles are softer because they arent used as much as the tail. The crusher claw, the larger of the two, breaks shells and helps the lobster crush things. The finer-edged ripper claw is used to tear flesh.
The tail is a popular part of the lobster for people to eat because it is the easiest to handle and is usually the meatiest part. The meat of a Maine lobster tail is chewier than the claw meat due to the way and how often lobsters use their tails. When needing to get away in a hurry, lobsters flap their tail rapidly to scoot out of harm’s way. This makes the tail more muscular and more fibrous.
The tail and the claws are not the extents of what can be eaten from a lobster. The body and head both contain edible meat. A good amount of rib meat is located between the thin shells of the body as well. If youre looking to get the best bang for your buck, and use the most amount of the lobster, we recommend buying full, live lobsters.
Lobsters are fascinating crustaceans that have specialized leg anatomy allowing them to thrive in their ocean habitat. But what exactly are the various lobster legs called? In this guide we’ll explore the names and functions of a lobster’s different legs, from their iconic claws to tiny swimmerets.
An Overview of Lobster Legs
Lobsters have a total of 10 legs for walking, swimming, sensing, and catching prey Here’s a quick overview
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2 large front claws (chelipeds) – Used for defense, hunting, and feeding. The crusher claw cracks shells while the pincer claw shreds meat.
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2 smaller pair of walking legs (pereiopods) – Allow the lobster to walk along the seafloor. End in small pincers.
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4 pairs of swimmerets (pleopods) – Tiny leg-like appendages under the tail used to swim and maintain balance.
The Iconic Lobster Claws
The two front legs possess large, intimidating claws. These claws are packed with muscle and allow lobsters to capture prey, defend against predators, and establish dominance. Here are the proper terms:
Crusher Claw
The crusher claw is the larger of the two front claws. It generates tremendous force to crack open hard shells of mollusks and crustaceans. The crusher claw is powered by massive muscles in the merus segment. It’s used more for crushing and holding prey.
Pincer Claw
The pincer claw is the smaller, more dexterous claw. It has sharp inner edges used to cut flesh into bite-size pieces. The pincer claw shreds food that the crusher claw cracks open.
Dactyl & Propus
The upper movable part of the claw is called the dactyl. It connects to the lower fixed portion called the propus. These two segments allow the claw to grasp and squeeze prey.
Walking Legs for Mobilizing Along the Seafloor
Behind the large front claws, lobsters have two more pairs of jointed walking legs. These legs allow the lobster to move along the ocean bottom to hunt for food or escape predators. Here are some key points:
- End in small pincers to grasp terrain
- Allow lobsters to walk forward and backward
- Contain tasty strips of meat within legs
- Provide balance and support the heavy claws
The rear walking legs work in coordination with the swimmerets to give lobsters mobility. Together they allow lobsters to walk, swim, and maneuver underwater.
Swimmerets for Underwater Movement
The final four pairs of lobster legs are tiny swimmerets located under the tail. Their main functions are:
- Generate currents of water to propel lobsters backward
- Assist with balance and stability
- Female lobsters carry eggs on swimmerets until they hatch
Swimmerets consist of feathery plumes that move rhythmically to push water. This allows lobsters to swim swiftly backward when needed. The swimmerets are much smaller than the claws and walking legs.
How Lobster Legs Compare to Other Crustaceans
While all decapod crustaceans have 10 legs, the exact form and function varies:
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Crabs have equal-sized claws with legs for sideways movement.
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Shrimp have small front claws with 4 pairs of walking legs.
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Crayfish resemble small lobsters with large claws and legs.
So lobsters have a distinct body plan – strong front claws, rear walking legs, and tiny swimmerets. This anatomy allows them to thrive on the rocky seafloor.
Extracting Meat from Lobster Legs
Lobster legs require some work to extract meat, but provide a tasty reward. Consider these tips:
- Use lobster crackers to break open legs
- Suck and nibble meat from leg cavities
- Add cracked legs to seafood soups and stocks
- Roast legs to loosen meat for pulling
While not as meaty as claws or tails, legs provide supplemental lobster meat. Now that you know lobster leg anatomy, you can tackle your crustacean meal like a pro!
What is Surf and Turf?
Surf and turf is a style of menu that offers the best of both the land and the sea. This means customers don’t have to choose between the steak and the lobster and just get them both. This is a classic offering at steakhouses and seafood restaurants.
Surf and turf plates are often show-stopping displays of vibrant, fresh seafood and juicy seared steak. Alongside the main course, you’ll often find vegetable side dishes like crisp green asparagus, creamed spinach, whipped potatoes, or other sides to balance out all the protein.
Ultimately, surf and turf is a delightful culinary experience of texture, flavor, and aroma in one unique meal.
How to Plan a Surf and Turf Menu
To put together a surf and turf menu of your own, start with a bit of planning to make sure your dinner comes together perfectly.
One of the best parts about surf and turf is that you can often cook both the meat and seafood in the same pan, which means less mess. Whether you use a grill, broiler, or stovetop, you can first sear the meat, then quickly cook the seafood while your steak rests.
First, choose your surf and your turf entrees. The most classic surf and turf menus feature red meat, often steak. However, if you’re not a fan or don’t eat red meat, you can certainly substitute steak for some chicken or pork.
| If you want to stand out even more, put your own spin on turf entree with a unique protein like lamb or duck. There really are no rules, so now’s your time to experiment in the kitchen! |
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Likewise, for the surf side of things, you have plenty of options. The most classic and extravagant surf and turf plates feature a bold red lobster, either whole or just the tail. Sometimes the tail is stuffed for added visual and flavor appeal. Other surf options include succulent shrimp, seared scallops, crab cakes, or your favorite fish fillet.
Finally, round out your surf and turf menu with one or two side dishes. These don’t have to be complicated or overdone. The meat and seafood are the stars of the show, so the sides are the supporting actors there to help the proteins shine. See below for the best side dish ideas to pair with your surf and turf.
How Many Legs Does a Lobster Have? #shorts
FAQ
Do lobsters have claws or pinchers?
Lobsters have ten legs in total! Eight of them are used for walking, and the remaining legs are their claws.
What are the body parts of lobsters?
Lobster anatomy includes two main body parts: the cephalothorax and the abdomen. The cephalothorax fuses the head and the thorax, both of which are covered by a chitinous carapace. The lobster’s head bears antennae, antennules, mandibles, the first and second maxillae.
What are crustacean legs called?
Thorax / pereon
Maxillipeds are appendages modified to function as mouthparts. Particularly in the less advanced decapods, these can be very similar to the pereiopods. Pereiopods are primarily walking legs and are also used for gathering food. They are also the ten legs from which decapods take their name.
Do lobsters crawl or walk?
Lobsters typically crawl along the ocean floor, but they are also capable swimmers. While they are not as efficient at swimming as some other species, such as fish, they can certainly move through the water. Lobsters have a pair of swimmerets, or small legs, located on their tails, which they use to swim backward.
What are the first legs on a lobster?
The claws make up the first set of “legs” on a lobster. One claw is the crusher claw, which closes with tremendous force to break open hard shells. The other is the pincer claw, specialized for gripping, tearing, and precision tasks. So while they aren’t used for walking, the claws technically qualify as the first pair of legs on a lobster.
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?
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 four legs of a lobster called?
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.
Do lobsters have special legs?
Lobsters Have Special Legs to Help With Swimming Lobsters can swim through a combination of their legs and tail. Lobsters have special legs called pleopods that are often called “swimmerets”. These legs are located on the underside of their bodies and have tiny hairs that help with swimming and maneuvering in the water with a bit more precision.
What are the lobster’s legs used for?
Lobsters have five pairs of legs located between the 10th and 14th sections of the body. The eight other pairs of legs are used for walking, and lobsters can often be seen wandering around the ocean floor at night, hunting for prey. On the first pair of legs is where we find the claws, in species that possess them.