Lobster: The Fanciest Seafood You Love to Hate
Lobster (Homarus Americanus) is a crustacean found in the Atlantic Ocean, and is considered one of the fanciest seafood delicacies that most people secretly despise. With its impressive ability to hide from predators and live up to a century, it’s no wonder they’re so expensive!
Appearance and Characteristics
Lobsters are like the Kardashians of the sea. They’re all claws and legs with a body that’s larger than life. But don’t let their intimidating appearance fool you, they’re simply misunderstood. They have two large claws, with one being larger than the other. The larger claw is used to crush their food, while the smaller one is used to pick up small items. They also have ten legs, which is two more than you, and can grow up to three feet in length. Thanks to their hard exoskeleton, they can’t grow like regular animals, so they shed their shell once a year, which they call molting.
Habitat and Diet
Lobsters are mainly found in the Atlantic Ocean, chilling in cold water, rocking their shades and driving their little lobster cars. They love to hide, and can be found under rocks, or in crevices, like insurance salesmen. Their favorite foods include fish, crabs, mussels, and snails, all served with a side of garlic butter.
Fun Facts
- Lobsters were once called “cockroaches of the sea,” which makes us wonder if people were eating cockroaches or just throwing lobsters away.
- They communicate by peeing at each other, which is basically the equivalent of an underwater “yo mamma” insult.
- During their molting season, they’re as soft as butter, and that’s when they’re most vulnerable to being caught by fishermen.
- Lobster blood is blue, which makes them the real-life Smurfs of the ocean.
Uses and Misconceptions
While lobster is known as an expensive delicacy, it was once considered a low-class food, served to prisoners and servants. People also used to think that lobsters were bottom feeders, eating dead and decaying things, but that’s simply not true. They also aren’t immortal, contrary to what some people believe. They may live for a century or so, but they will eventually become crab food like everyone else.
So, there you have it, folks! Lobsters are the fanciest seafood you love to hate. Whether you enjoy them as a lobster roll or a fancy dinner, don’t forget to show some appreciation for these misunderstood crustaceans the next time you sink your teeth into one.