Want to enjoy Maine lobsters at a lower price point? Lobsters with only 1 claw (instead of 2) are available. During our lobster grading process, we separate the 1 claw lobsters by small and large sizes and offer those at a discount price to our customers.
New England lobsters are one of the most popular seafood choices to not just New Englanders but to people worldwide. Steamed lobsters are a summer staple for cookouts, dinner parties, and, of course, beach barbeques. Intershell partners with many independent fishermen in Gloucester, MA to bring in lobsters daily so they are ready to ship directly to your door the minute they are brought in by the boat.
Note: This product is priced based on the market value – prices are subject to change at any given time.
Lobster Size Ranges: Sm 1 Claw Lobster 1-2 Lb & Lg 1 Claw Lobster 2 – 3 Lb Lobster Crackers (Set Of 2): Yes No Total Weight Quantity: 3 Lb 5 Lb 1 Claw Lobster Size: Small Large Quantity: Add To Cart
Lobsters are fascinating creatures that inhabit oceans around the world They have a unique appearance and anatomy that sets them apart from other marine animals One particularly interesting type of lobster is the one claw lobster, also known as a cull. But what exactly is a one claw lobster and how did it get this peculiar name? Let’s take an in-depth look at these unique crustaceans.
What is a One Claw Lobster?
A one claw lobster, as the name implies, is a lobster that is missing one of its front claws. Lobsters normally have two large front claws that they use for grasping food, self-defense and other functions. But one claw lobsters, through various means have lost one of these two claws, leaving them with just a single claw.
There are a couple ways a lobster can become a “one claw” individual:
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Autotomy or self-amputation: Lobsters can actually detach their own limbs when feeling threatened. By self-amputating a claw, the lobster limits injury and can regrow the limb later. This reflexive shedding of a limb is called autotomy.
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Predator attacks: Many lobsters lose claws from the bites of predators like fish, seals, and even other lobsters. Losing a claw allows the lobster to escape a predator’s grasp.
Regardless of the reason, lobsters missing a claw are still perfectly good to eat. In fact, many restaurants seek them out since they tend to be cheaper than regular two-claw lobsters. The missing claw means slightly less meat, so they can be sold at a small discount.
Other Names for One Claw Lobsters
While “one claw lobster” is the most common term, these unique crustaceans have some other colorful names including:
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Cull: A widely used term in the seafood industry referring to their difference from normal lobsters.
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Peg claw: Describes the single remaining claw being like a peg or stump without its pair.
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Single claw: A very straightforward descriptor of their defining physical trait.
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Halfsie A humorous nickname referencing how they only have half of their claws
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Open claw: The last claw has to remain open since it lacks an opposable partner for grasping.
Why Are They Called One Claw Lobsters?
The reasoning behind calling these lobsters “one claw” is very simple. They are missing one of the two front claws that lobsters normally possess, leaving them with just a single claw. This very apparent physical difference is the origin of referring to them as “one claw” lobsters.
Some other names like “cull” refer more to their differentiation within the seafood industry. But one claw lobster is a purely descriptive name based on their most clearly defining characteristic – only having one claw. So it’s an apt and logical name for these unique crustaceans.
Unique Traits of One Claw Lobsters
Beyond the obvious missing claw, one claw lobsters have some other distinguishing traits:
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Cheaper price – Less meat means they sell for $1-3 less per pound than regular lobsters.
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More tail meat – With one less claw, more of the meat is in the prized tail section.
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Smaller size – They tend to be slightly smaller than two-claw lobsters overall.
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Right or left – The missing claw can be either the right or left one.
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Regrow claw – After molting they can regrow a replacement claw over time.
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Weaker grasp – Their remaining open claw isn’t as strong for grasping prey or defense.
Availability and Cost of One Claw Lobsters
Where can you actually buy one claw lobsters? Here are some of the best places to find them:
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Local seafood markets, especially in coastal regions. Many sell one claw lobsters at a discount.
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Online retailers like LobsterAnywhere.com that ship live lobsters overnight across the country.
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Directly from lobster docks and wharves where you can sometimes get discounted culls.
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Lobster wholesalers who buy in bulk from distributors and can source one claws at reduced wholesale pricing.
In terms of cost, expect to pay $1-3 less per pound for one claw lobsters compared to regular two-claw lobsters sold at the same market. So if regular lobsters cost $10/pound, you may find one claws for $7-9/pound. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh lobster at a bargain price!
Preparing and Eating One Claw Lobsters
When it comes to cooking and eating one claw lobsters, you can treat them just like regular lobsters. Some delicious ways to enjoy them include:
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Boiling or steaming whole.
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Splitting and grilling meat-side down with butter.
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Adding diced meat to soups, stews and salads.
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Stuffing the tail meat into lobster rolls.
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Sautéing chunks of claw, tail and body meat in butter or olive oil.
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Baking into luscious seafood casseroles and pastas.
So while they may look a little different with one claw missing, you can use one claw lobsters in all your favorite lobster recipes. The slight loss of meat from the absent claw doesn’t make much difference when enjoying these tasty crustaceans!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are one claw lobsters normal lobsters?
Yes, they are the same species – just missing a claw.
Can they regrow both claws if lost?
Initially no, but after regrowing one claw they can lose and regrow the other too.
Does the missing claw affect their growth?
Slightly – studies show they grow a bit slower and achieve a smaller maximum size.
Are they safe and healthy to eat?
Yes, they are just as safe and nutritious as regular lobsters!
Which claw is usually missing?
It can be either the right or left claw – both claws are symmetrical in function.
Can I use them the same as two-claw lobsters for cooking?
Absolutely! You can substitute one claw lobsters into any recipe that calls for regular lobsters.
FAQ Cull (1 Claw Lobsters)
What does “Cull” lobster mean?
“Cull” Lobster means 1 claw lobsters. Once the claw of the lobster falls off, the claw will eventually grow back over time. We also consider “Cull” lobsters to have a very small claw in the beginning of its growing stage.
Why are the “Cull” 1 claw lobsters cheaper than regular 2 claw lobster?
Cull lobsters are cheaper than regular 2 claw lobsters due to its 1 claw missing. We also refer to it as an “imperfect” lobster. Upon harvest or during the grading process, sometimes the claw will fall off the lobster (or it already has), but that does not mean the quality of the lobster is any different than a lobster with its 2 claws. Cull lobsters are very popular with our wholesale customers due to its cheaper price point. It’s still the same lobster everyone loves, just one claw less!
How many pieces of lobsters would I get if I ordered the SMALL Size Cull Lobsters?
For 3 Lb of Small Cull Lobsters, you would get 2-3 pieces.
For 5 Lb of Small Cull Lobsters, you would get 3-5 pieces.
The weight of the individual lobster will vary due to the 1 claw missing from the lobster.
How many pieces of lobsters would I get if I ordered the LARGE Size Cull Lobsters?
For 3 Lb of Large Cull Lobsters, you would get 1 piece.
For 5 Lb of Small Cull Lobsters, you would get 2-3 pieces.
The weight of the individual lobster will vary due to the 1 claw missing from the lobster.