Lobsters

Lobsters, like crabs, have to moult their shell to grow. They can also shed a claw to a predator, which will then regenerate. They can use their legs to move, but rapidly swim backwards using their fan shaped tails. Lobsters are primarily scavengers. Two species found on Cornish shores are the Common Lobster Homarus gammaru and the Squat Lobster Galathea squamifera.

Common Lobster Homarus gammaru    

Is highly prized by gourmets, and has been heavily fished, leading to a decline in numbers. Found at the lowest tides, however if small lobsters are found, they are unlikely to be this species, as specimens under eight inches are rarely found on shore. The common lobster has two large claws which are not equally sized. The larger is a crushing claw, the smaller a biter. They are nocturnal pedators feeding on smaller animals, but they will scavenge carrion.

Squat Lobster Galathea squamifera    

Squat lobsters are very common on rocky shores. They are found under rocks on the lower shore.

They are coloured greenish brown and reach a size of two and half inches.

If disturbed squat lobsters escape by flexing their tail and moving backwards.