Knowra Lobster Lobster Lobsters are large marine decapod crustaceans, often with strong claws. The name applies to several groups, including clawed lobsters and spiny lobsters.
Decapoda : An order of crustaceans characterized by five pairs of walking legs. Lobsters belong to this order, whose name means “ten-footed.”
Cheliped : A leg modified to end in a pincer or claw. In clawed lobsters, the first pair of walking legs forms large chelipeds.
Spiny lobster : A marine crustacean in the family Palinuridae, lacking the large front claws of clawed lobsters. Spiny lobsters are called lobsters but belong to a different family and have no large claws.
American lobster : A large clawed lobster native to the northwest Atlantic, especially abundant off eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. This species supports one of the world’s most valuable lobster fisheries.
Ocean acidification : The decline in ocean pH caused mainly by seawater absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Changing carbonate chemistry may affect lobster development and shell formation.
Crustacean : An arthropod with a hard external skeleton, jointed limbs, and two pairs of antennae. Lobsters share the defining body plan of this larger animal group.
Mandible : A jaw-like mouthpart used to crush, cut, or manipulate food. Lobsters use mandibles and other mouthparts to break up food.
Slipper lobster : A marine crustacean in the family Scyllaridae, with broad, flattened antennae. Slipper lobsters are another clawless lobster relative with a distinctive flattened shape.
European lobster : A clawed lobster native to the eastern Atlantic and parts of the Mediterranean. It is the principal commercial lobster species across much of Europe.
Marine heatwave : A prolonged period of unusually warm ocean temperatures in a particular region. Heatwaves can shift lobster ranges and alter survival and fishery conditions.
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