Lobster is one of the worlds most popular luxury dishes. Originally seen as a food for prisoners and the poor, the crustaceans popularity and status surged when preservation and transportation methods advanced to a point where it could be moved from places like the New England coast to the restaurants of affluent Manhattan. Now, you can enjoy lobster almost anywhere in the world — but you will pay a premium for it.
According to the Marine Education Society of Australasia, there are 75 species of lobster inhabiting the worlds oceans. Thirty of these species have large claws and tend to inhabit colder waters. The remaining 40, which are commonly called “spiny” or “rock” lobsters, lack large claws on their forlimbs. Not all varieties of lobster are eaten, but of those that are, there are considerable physical differences ranging from color to size to texture. There are also subtle differences in flavor, even among closely related varieties. Here are 16 types of lobster from around the world, along with what makes each of them unique.
Lobster is one of the most prized seafood delicacies around the world. With its tender and sweet flesh, it’s no wonder why lobster is a luxury ingredient that graces the tables of fine dining restaurants and special occasions. However, not all lobsters are created equal. Maine lobster and Australian lobster are two of the most popular lobster varieties, but they have some notable differences in biology, harvesting, flavor, and preparation. In this article, we’ll dive into everything that sets these iconic lobster species apart.
Geographic Origins
The first major difference between Maine and Australian lobsters is their geographic origins. As the name implies, Maine lobsters originate from the cold waters of the northeastern Atlantic coast of the United States and Canada. Most Maine lobsters come from the coastal waters of the state of Maine, with additional harvesting along Massachusetts and Atlantic Canada.
In contrast, Australian lobsters primarily come from the southern coastline of Australia. They thrive in the temperate waters around Western Australia, South Australia Victoria and Tasmania. The wild Australian lobsters commercially caught are commonly known as “rock lobsters”.
- Maine lobsters – North Atlantic waters off New England and Atlantic Canada
- Australian lobsters – Southern coast of Australia
These differences in geographic origin also equate to differences in habitat. Maine lobsters live in frigid, rocky coastal waters while Australian lobsters inhabit shallow warm water reefs.
Physical Appearance
Visually, Maine and Australian lobsters have distinct physical features.
Maine lobsters have a classic lobster shape with large front claws equipped with crushing pincers. Their body is long and segmented, with a muscular tail. They have a smooth, rigid shell that’s dark blue-green to brownish-red. Fully grown, Maine lobsters reach 1-2 feet long and 1-2 pounds.
Australian rock lobsters lack large crushing claws. Instead, rock lobsters have antennae almost as long as their body. Their tails are powerfully muscular. They also have rough, spiny shells ranging from red-brown to green-brown. Australian lobsters reach around 1 foot long at full size, weighing approximately 6 pounds.
- Maine lobsters have large claws, smoother shells, green-brown colors
- Australian rock lobsters don’t have big claws, have spiny shells, reddish-brown colors
Flavor and Texture
When it comes to taste and texture, Maine lobster and Australian lobster differ noticeably. This affects their preferred cooking methods and uses.
The cold water Maine lobsters inhabit gives their flesh a sweet, mild flavor and tender, flaky texture. Their succulent meat needs little enhancement – just a drizzle of melted butter or light seasoning. The claws, tail and body meat can all be utilized. Maine lobsters excel when steamed, broiled, baked or grilled.
Conversely, Australian rock lobsters have a firmer texture and robust flavor with briny notes. Their tails contain most of the edible meat. Rock lobster tail meat can become rubbery if overcooked. Gentle steaming is recommended to keep it tender. Pairing with a complementary sauce provides the best flavor.
- Maine lobster: Sweet flavor, tender meat, use all parts, suitable for many cooking methods
- Australian lobster: Firmer texture, salty/fishy flavor, mostly tails, best steamed
Popularity and Fishing Methods
Both Maine lobster and Australian rock lobster are immensely popular. Maine lobster is synonymous with fine dining and commands extremely high prices. The Maine lobster fishery lands over 120 million pounds annually, worth over $450 million dollars. Maine lobsters are still caught using old-fashioned lobster traps along the sea floor, a labor-intensive fishing method.
Although not as universally recognized, Australian rock lobster accounts for 20% of Australia’s seafood production. About 10,000 tons are caught annually, valued around $200 million dollars. Most Australian rock lobster is exported to Asia. These lobsters are usually caught by scuba diving rather than traps. Their spiny shells and lack of claws make them easier to catch by hand.
- Maine lobster: Trapped using lobster pots
- Australian lobster: Caught by scuba diving and hand collection
Final Verdict
When it comes down to it, Maine lobster wins as the tastier lobster variety. Its naturally sweet flavor and tender texture is hard to match. The ability to enjoy meat from the whole lobster is also a major bonus. However, Australian rock lobster still has its merits, especially for lovers of heartier seafood. At the end of the day, any opportunity to savor either of these iconic lobster species is sure to be a delicious luxury.
- Maine lobster has superior flavor and texture
- Australian rock lobster better for heartier seafood lovers
- Both are premium seafood delicacies to savor
By understanding the key distinctions between biology, harvesting, and culinary traits, you can make informed choices when buying lobster. So next time you crack open a lobster tail or pick up a lobster roll, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for which variety of lobster you are enjoying!
Hard shell Maine lobster
If you order lobster at a restaurant or pluck one out of a supermarkets tank in most of the United States, chances are youre getting a hard shell Maine lobster. The Maine lobster itself is technically the same species as the soft shell Maine lobster and the Canadian lobster, but various conditions make it unique (via The Ocean Mart). The Maine Lobster is found in the North Atlantic, off the east coast of the United States, with the highest concentrations being close to New England and Maine specifically, hence the name.
The Maine lobster itself is smaller than the similar Canadian lobster, due to the slightly warmer waters it inhabits. Although its smaller, the meat tends to be sweeter, which balances things out somewhat. The “hard shell” part of the name refers to the length of time since the lobster last molted. Hard shell lobsters are usually fished between fall and spring. They tend to have around 20% more meat in their shells than soft shell lobsters, and are also more durable. That means hard shell lobsters can be transported further and kept alive longer than soft shell lobsters. So if you live away from the coast and see fresh lobsters in a local restaurant, you can bet theyre the hard shell version. Unlike the more delicate soft shell lobsters, hard shells are durable enough to be grilled — so you should consider buying a few if youre a fan of seafood BBQs (via Lobster Anywhere).
Soft shell Maine lobster
The soft shell variant of the Maine (or American) lobster is the exact same species as the hard shell, except it has molted more recently and its exoskeleton is still in the hardening process (via The Ocean Mart). Soft shell lobsters are usually caught in the summer months, and are not as durable as hard-shell lobsters. As a result, transporting them away from the coastal areas they are caught in is extremely difficult. This means that they are extremely abundant in places like coastal Maine, and they tend to be cheaper as a result.
Because their new shell contains a lot of growing room, youll find less meat inside a soft shell lobster than you would a hard shell of the same weight. However, because the space that would be meat is taken up by water, you can expect extra tender lobste,r as the water within the lobster marinates the meat while cooking (via Wholesale Maine Lobster). For the best results, consider boiling your soft shell lobster in salt water, as this process will not damage the delicate meat. Lobster Anywhere provides instructions on the amount of salt to add and the time you need to boil your lobster. If you want to liven the dish up a bit, consider creating a traditional New England lobster roll by coating chunks of lobster meat in mayonnaise and adding them to a butter toasted hot dog bun.
Like the Maine lobster, the Canadian lobster is also of the genus Homarus americanus, meaning theyre the exact same species (via The Ocean Mart). However, the colder waters off the Canadian coast produce lobsters that are different enough to gain their own distinction.
Canadian lobsters tend to be larger and not as sweet as their kin south of the border. The shells and meat of Canadian lobsters also tend to be denser. However, the differences arent that significant, and as “Canadian lobster” isnt as well publicized as “Maine lobster,” it tends to be cheaper per pound — so lobster fans could scoop themselves a bargain.
Due to the density of their meat and the thickness of their shells, Canadian lobsters lend themselves well to harsher cooking methods. If you want to try baking or barbecuing a lobster and are looking for a more forgiving variety that comes with fewer financial consequences if you do mess up, a Canadian lobster could be ideal.
Homarus gammarus, which is also known as the European lobster, French blue, or common lobster, is a distinct species of lobster found in the seas around Europe. This includes the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, Irish Sea, Mediterranian Sea, and Baltic Sea. Unlike its American cousin, blue is a common colorof the European lobster, though they turn brick red when cooked.
The European lobster also tends to be smaller than Homarus americanus, but the quantity is offset by quality, as the meat tends to be more flavorful. As lobsters dont tend to travel well, it is nearly impossible to get live European lobster in North America, and frozen French Blues come at a premium. The European lobster spends its time on the sea floor subsisting on small fishes, crustaceans, and shellfish, which all contribute to its fantastic flavor. It is best boiled, but can be baked, barbecued, steamed, or boiled and eaten hot or cold (via Mmmediterranean).
Like other warm water lobsters (and contrary to their cold water equivalents), the Florida spiny lobster lacks claws (via the Gates Hotel). However, it makes up for this by providing plenty of delicious tail meat. The meats flavor isnt as sweet or delicate as the kind youll find under a Maine lobsters shell, but it still tastes great and pairs well with a variety of dishes, from pasta to soup to omlettes to gumbo. The flavor has been described as similar to crawfish.
Also known as the Caribbean lobster, the Florida spiny lobster is a common sight on menus from Key West to Kingston. This lobsters habitat ranges from South Carolina to Brazil. Fresh lobster of this variety tends to be available in Florida for around eight months per year.
This Fish says that before cooking, the Caribbean or Florida lobsters color varies from olive green to brown. They can also be found with yellow spots on their abdomen.
Also known as the Norwegian lobster or Dublin Bay prawn, this small species is popular in cuisines across Europe (via Great British Chefs). One of the more well-known dishes the langoustine crops up in is traditional scampi, though this tends to cost significantly more than the versions that use fish or shrimp. Langoustine season runs from September to May, and the most common fisheries are in the North Sea, close to Norway, Scotland, and off the north east coast of England.
Langoustines tend to be firmer and sweeter than larger lobster species, and they dont have to stand alone in a dish. The late, great Keith Floyd used langoustines alongside monkfish and bass, in what he described as “the best fish stew in the world.” Most langoustines available in North America will be frozen, but if you have an opportunity to buy fresh langoustines you should be on the lookout for dark black eyes, lively movements, and no signs of damage to the antennae, legs, or shell.
Like the Caribbean lobster, the California lobster is a warm water species and lacks claws (via Vice). However, unlike its East Coast cousin, the California lobster rarely finds itself on a Western plate. Described as “slightly chewy” and as having a “creamy and extremely nutty flavor,” the California spiny lobster might just be the West Coast scuba diving communitys best-kept secret, as theyre the only Americans that have access to them. However, they are quite popular in China, which is where the majority of commercially caught spiny lobsters from California and Mexico end up.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography graduate Kate Masury claims the Chinese prefer clawless lobster species to their cold water counterparts. This demand has driven up the price of the lobsters, leading Americans to select cheaper options. Still, if you manage to get your hands on a California spiny lobster, you may want to treat yourself by boiling them, dousing them with butter, slapping them on a hot grill for a few minutes, and then finishing with even more butter (via OC Wild Seafood).
Not all European lobsters have claws. Yet another clawless variety of warm water lobster is the Mediterranean lobster (Palinurus elephas), which isnt that common globally, but something you may spot if you frequent seaside markets in Southern Europe.
Contrary to its name, the Mediterranean lobster can be found as far away as the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland. The crustacean has become a bit harder to source after being identified as “vulnerable” by the IUCN in 2013. Recovery efforts have included fishing restrictions and restocking attempts. One of the more promising actions has involved restocking areas where fishing is prohibited with below-legal size lobsters. Within the first few years, this tactic resulted in the “catch per unit effort (CPUE)” of the prohibited areas showing an estimated 300% to 700% increase in “both density and biomass burst” (via Nature.com). The increase in biomass also spilled over into areas where fishing was allowed, with regular fisheries showing a “30–50% increase in density and biomass CPUE.”
A traditional rock lobster recipe from the area involves boiling and halving the lobsters before covering them in an oil, lemon juice, and salt, dressing (via SBS).
Maine LOBSTER vs Florida LOBSTERS Cookoff – OMG!!
FAQ
What is the best tasting lobster in the world?
South African lobster tails are renowned worldwide for their incredible sweetness and tender texture. Once you try these incredible tails you’ll be hooked!
What is the difference between Australian lobster and American lobster?
While the meat of both lobsters is interchangeable in most recipes, the colder waters of the Atlantic results in a silkier, sweeter flesh that is usually more tender.”
Is Caribbean lobster better than Maine lobster?
Maine/New England lobster is different in that it is softer. The Caribbean lobster is tougher, but it is somewhat more flavorful, with significantly more tail meat.
What do Australian lobsters taste like?
Australian Lobsters are well known for their fishy and salty taste and are harvested off the northwest coast of Australia.
What is the difference between Australian Lobster and Maine lobster?
Australian and Maine lobsters have distinct flavors. The Australian lobster, also known as the rock lobster, is found in warm water. The result is meat with a tough texture and a saltier, fishier flavor. In contrast, the Maine lobster, which inhabits the cold waters of the North Atlantic, has tender meat with a less saturated, natural lobster flavor.
Are Canadian lobsters the same as Maine lobsters?
Canadian lobsters and Maine lobsters look alike because they are from the same species. Lobsters from Maine have gained a reputation for being the best lobsters in the world. Not only they have juicy claw meat, but their tail meat is also extremely firm. If you want to enjoy “true” lobsters, you must buy this type.
Are all lobsters the same?
Lobster is one of the most iconic and luxurious seafood delicacies around. But not all lobsters are created equal. There are actually dozens of lobster species found throughout the world’s oceans but two in particular, stand out as favorites on dinner tables – the Maine lobster and the Australian rock lobster.
What is the difference between rock lobster and Maine lobster?
When it comes to consistency, Maine lobster meat tends to be more delicate than the firmer rock lobster meat. Due to the warm water the rock lobster dwells in, it tends to be a bit brinier in taste. Conversely, Maine lobsters are known for more of a clean, sweet taste. What is the difference between Maine lobster and Caribbean lobster?
Does Maine lobster have more meat per pound?
There is more meat per pound. Maine lobsters also have meat in the tail. Unlike other lobsters that will just have meat in the tail and not in the claws. As such, it feels like you’re getting more value for your money, with more meat per pound. It is often named as the best lobster on any seafood menu.
Does Maine lobster have a tail?
Many restaurants offer Maine lobster in its whole form, steamed, roasted or grilled. Sometimes, diners can opt to order just the tail, where the sweet, tender meat is prized, but to do so is to miss out on the huge chunks of meat found in the claws, and some also in the body.