Lobsters and crabs, both esteemed members of the crustacean family, are celebrated worldwide for their contribution to seafood cuisines. These species are incredibly abundant, inhabiting every ocean globally, and play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.
Credit: Hemis/Alamy (left), Bryan Naqqi Manco (right)
Lobster vs Crab: Main Differences
Appearance: The lobster, with its elongated body, eight walking legs, two sets of pincers, and a long tail, presents a stark contrast to the crab’s wider stature, which also features eight legs but only one pair of claws.
Size: Both lobsters and crabs exhibit a broad range of sizes within their respective families. Crabs can be as small as a few millimeters to an impressive 12.5 feet in length. Lobsters, on the other hand, range from 55 millimeters to 3.5 feet.
Habitat: While both creatures inhabit every ocean on Earth, crabs have adapted to freshwater and terrestrial environments, unlike lobsters which mainly dwell in saltwater regions.
Diet: As omnivores, both lobsters and crabs enjoy a varied diet and often act as scavengers.
Let’s delve deeper into these differences and explore some fascinating facts about these two marine animals.
Who Would Win?
In a speculated battle between a lobster and a crab, it’s likely that the lobster could come out on top due to its larger size and powerful claws.
Lobsters, particularly larger species like the American lobster, are known for their size and strength. They have large, powerful claws that they can use to defend themselves or attack their opponents. Lobsters also have a hard exoskeleton that provides them with a good amount of protection.
Crabs, while smaller, are also challenging opponents. They possess strong claws and a compact body covered in a tough shell. Some species of crabs are known for their quick reflexes and agility, which could potentially allow them to dodge attacks from the lobster.
However, the lobster’s size and strength might give it an edge in a direct confrontation. But it’s important to note that this is purely hypothetical, and such confrontations would depend on the specific species and individual sizes of the lobster and crab involved.
Lobster
Belonging to the Nephropidae family, lobsters are highly regarded in the culinary world for their elongated bodies and muscle-filled tails. Their size ranges from 25-50cm or 10-20 inches long, with some extraordinary species reaching up to 3.5 feet.
They are eight-legged creatures, which they use for mobility, and they have two sets of claws. The lobster is a blue-blooded animal. This is caused by the high levels of copper in their blood. They share this trait with various other invertebrates, such as spiders and snails.
Encased in a tough exoskeleton, lobsters bravely shed their shells to grow, trading safety for size. This daring transformation also unveils a captivating color shift from their usual deep blue. Truly, life under the sea is a thrilling spectacle!
Female lobsters are distinguishable from males by their tails. Males have straighter tails, while females’ tails are wider and curved.
Habitat
The lobster tends to locate itself near the ocean floor, finding holes and crevices to call its home. They are found worldwide, occupying every sea and ocean in the world. The reef lobster, for example, occupies rocky reefs in the Indo-pacific region.
The lobster moves around in its environment by traversing the ocean floor, normally at a slow speed. It is only when they are under threat that they can reach speeds of up to 11mph, swimming backward.
Diet
As omnivores, lobsters enjoy a varied diet, primarily feasting on fish, other crustaceans, molluscs, seaworms, and a variety of marine plant life.
Don’t forget their dark side. As instinctive scavengers, when in captivity and left without food, they won’t hesitate to engage in cannibalism.
Threats
The most obvious threat facing lobsters is the demand for their meat. As a very profitable commodity, fishermen worldwide seek out the pricey lobster daily.
There has been some controversy surrounding the way in which lobsters are prepared in certain cuisines. Chefs have been known to boil them alive, which has since been banned in areas of Italy and in Switzerland.
If lobsters manage to avoid human intervention, they commonly have a lifespan of 45-50 years in the wild.
Crab
Unlike the lobster, the crab, a type of decapod crustacean, has a small tail hidden within its exoskeleton. The vast majority of crab varieties have a rounded abdomen.
The range of sizes between the many crab species is extremely wide, at the lower end of the spectrum lies the incredible Pea Crab, which is only a few millimeters long, whereas the humungous Japanese Spider Crab can reach sizes of up to 12.5 feet leg span, or 3.8 meters, from claw to claw.
One of the most common images of a crab people see is that of the king crab, which is also sought after for its taste and flavor.
Female crabs vary from male crabs in their body shape. Females have wider abdomens, while males are more triangular in shape. They both have five pairs of legs.
Habitat
Crabs are found in nearly every type of water body in the world. From oceans to freshwater, and can even be found on land.
A great example of this is the rock crab, which is commonly seen on rocks that sit both in the water and on land.
Diet
The crab has a broad diet, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. Like the lobster, the crab is an omnivore and will eat nearly anything it desires, despite feeding mainly on algae species, other crustaceans, worms, mollusks, bacteria, fungi, and plant detritus.
Some species are more selective with what they eat, however, as they will target plankton, fish, clams, and other sea species.
Threats
Similarly to many crustacean species, the crab is constantly under threat from commercial fishing. An exorbitant 1.5 million tonnes of crab are caught each year to supply the demanding seafood trade.
In conclusion, while lobsters and crabs share many similarities as part of the crustacean family, they each possess unique characteristics that set them apart. As we continue to relish their culinary value, let’s also remember the importance of sustainable practices to ensure these fascinating creatures continue to thrive in our oceans.
Ocean Insights: Hear From Our Experts
By Hamna Faizan
Marine Life Researcher and Lecturer, with an MSc in Zoology
FAQs
Are lobsters and crabs the same?
No, they are very different creatures. Despite both being crustaceans, the lobster has a longer, narrower body, while the crab is wider and more rounded. Lobsters are mainly underwater, whereas many crabs can come to land.
Do lobsters feel pain?
Despite many chefs around the world choosing to boil lobsters alive. Scientists and researchers have determined that lobsters do indeed feel pain, alongside other species such as crabs and octopus.
Are crabs invertebrates?
Crabs are part of the crustaceans. This group of animals are invertebrates and are actually very close to arachnids and insects.
Are lobsters fish?
No, like the crab, the lobster is part of the crustaceans. These are invertebrates that are more like insects rather than fish.
Do lobsters and crabs have blood?
Lobsters and crabs use hemocyanin, which has copper instead of iron and is blue instead of red.
