A Lobster's Life Story



Posted: Thursday, January 28, 2010

by Neal Smith
Gourmet New England

The Maine Lobster, known for its rich, sumptuous flavor, is more than just a culinary delicacy; it is a cornerstone of culture. Many of us who have enjoyed the festive splendor of a lobster feast, however, know little of the extraordinary life cycle that brings the lobster eventually to our plates.

Though its sturdy claws may look impressive, in truth, a wild lobster has reaches adulthood only against great odds. It is estimated that a mere 1% of lobster eggs survive the harrowing race to maturity; to do so, they must first endure nearly a year before hatching, during which they adhere (along with 10,000 or so siblings) to a special area beneath the mother's tail. They are then released as larvae, and drift about in the water column in search of a place to anchor, and seek safety from the predators who hope to snatch them up. We humans are not alone in craving the succulent lobster; sculpin, cunner, cod, skates, and even other lobsters all love to make a meal of the shrimp-like morsels. During this crucial phase of growth, the young lobsters must molt four times, after which they begin to resemble their parents and can make their way to the depths.

A lobster that does manage to reach the ocean floor quickly secures a rocky hiding place, or risks being devoured. In spite of their lobster-like appearance, larvae at this stage they are still without defenses and vulnerable to predation. Once hidden, the lobster spends the next few years snatching what prey it can from its protected home, avoiding the open water whenever possible. Around its fourth year, however, having grown in size and strength, the lobster begins to emerge, boldly capturing small creatures that may be twice its size!

Throughout this process, the young lobster must keep molting, as its hard shell does not stretch or grow. While all lobsters grow at different rates, it is known that those in cold water grow more slowly than their warm-water-dwelling cousins, and that males grow faster than females. Interestingly, lobsters are also unique in that they show no signs of aging, meaning that unless they fall sick or are injured or eaten, there is no limit to how long they could theoretically live, or how big they could grow. The lobster's properties have even led scientists to study it in search of clues that could increase human longevity.

By the time a lobster is hauled up in a lobsterpot, it has made it through at least five years of life, since the average lobster takes five to seven years to reach maturity. It is no wonder, then, that the lobster is so highly prized; with only ten out of ten thousand surviving the long years to adulthood, this is not a creature that can be easily farmed or quickly harvested. While it has long been world-renowned as a king among seafood dishes, the lobster also brings a fascinating saga to the plate, and is truly a centerpiece not only for its lovely scarlet color and creamy meat, but for the wild, wonderful story of its life.

The author, Neal Smith, is a retired orchard farmer living in Montague, Massachusetts and presently the web manager for Gourmet New England, internet marketplace for fine New England foods, including live Maine lobster, Cap Cod shellfish, Vermont cheddar and maple syrup, "My Grandma's Coffee Cakes", raw natural honey, New England bisque and chowder and more.
http://www.gourmetnewengland.com
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