The Largest Lobster Ever Recorded
Lobster Facts
Lobsters are fascinating creatures that belong to the crustacean family. They are shellfish, similar to crabs, shrimp, and crawfish. They can be found in oceans all over the world and play an important role in the marine ecosystem by scavenging for food on the seafloor. Lobster fishing is a significant industry in North America, particularly along the Eastern coastline. In 2020, over 96 million pounds of lobster were caught and sold, making it an important part of the economy.
One interesting fact about lobsters is that they never stop growing. This is because they produce a growth-inducing enzyme called telomerase throughout their lives. This enzyme allows them to continually grow larger. The size of a lobster is directly correlated to its age, and some lobsters can live for a very long time.
Maine Lobster 51.5 lb (23.36 kg)
The largest lobster ever caught, according to legend, was off the coast of Maine in 1926. Unfortunately, there is limited evidence of its existence, with only an old photo showing the lobster draped across a fishing trap. The lobster was mounted and intended for display in a museum but was damaged during transportation. No further evidence of this lobster exists.
Nova Scotia Lobster 44 lbs (20.14 kg)
In 1977, a 44-pound American Lobster was caught off the coast of Nova Scotia. It became the Guinness World Record holder for the heaviest marine crustacean. This lobster was estimated to be over 100 years old by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. After being weighed and measured, it was released back into the ocean.
Cape Cod Lobster 34 lbs (15.4 kgs)
In 1974, a lobster weighing 34 pounds was caught by the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association. This lobster, known as “Big George,” held the title for the largest documented lobster until it was surpassed by a 44-pound lobster three years later. Not much is known about the fate of Big George, but due to lobsters’ longevity, it’s possible he’s still alive today.
Cushing, Maine Lobster 27 lbs (12.25 kg)
A crew on a shrimp boat off the coast of Maine made a surprising discovery when they pulled in their nets and found a 27-pound lobster they named Rocky. Due to regulations, the lobster had to be released back into the wild. However, it was weighed, measured, and photographed at the Maine State Aquarium before being released. Holding Rocky was compared to holding a 3-year-old child.
The Bay of Fundy, Canada Lobster 23 lbs (10.4 kgs)
A 23-pound lobster was accidentally shipped to a restaurant in Long Island, New York. The owner, Steve Jordan, was amazed by its size and age. Instead of serving it, he sent it to the Long Island Aquarium, where it still resides today.
Hempstead, New York Lobster 22 lbs (9.98 kgs)
A lobster named Louie was kept as a sideshow attraction at a restaurant in Hempstead, New York. Over the 20 years it was kept in captivity, it continued to grow. Eventually, the restaurant owner decided to release Louie back into the wild to avoid it being eaten.
Newfoundland, Canada Lobster 20 lbs (9.07 kgs)
A lobster named George was caught in Newfoundland, Canada, and ended up in a restaurant in New York City. After catching the attention of PETA and international news networks, George was released back into the wild. It was estimated to be close to 140 years old.
Maine Lobster 20 lbs (9.07 kgs)
A lobster weighing 20 pounds was caught off the coast of Maine in 2015. The crew of The Big Dipper, a lobster boat, frequently encounters oversized lobsters but always releases them back into the wild due to regulations. The photo of the lobster became an internet sensation.
South Florida Lobster 15 lbs (6.8 kgs)
A lobster named Larry was discovered by a restaurant owner in South Florida. Recognizing its age, estimated to be close to 100 years, the lobster was returned to Maine to be released back into the ocean.
Fun Facts
– Lobsters are being studied for their potential in anti-aging research due to their long lifespans.
– Lobsters have the ability to regrow lost limbs and are resistant to various diseases, making them subjects of medical research.
Conclusion
Lobsters are remarkable creatures with the ability to grow continuously throughout their lives. They hold records for being the largest marine crustaceans ever caught. Lobsters also have significant economic and ecological importance. Remember to consider the impressive size and age of lobsters, and perhaps even spot a record-breaking lobster in a restaurant tank!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do lobsters live?
Lobsters have been known to live for decades, with some reaching over 100 years old.
2. Can lobsters really regrow lost limbs?
Yes, lobsters have the ability to regrow lost limbs, a process known as regeneration.
3. Are lobsters a type of shellfish?
Yes, lobsters are classified as shellfish, along with crabs, shrimp, and crawfish.
4. What is the largest lobster ever caught?
The largest documented lobster was caught off the coast of Nova Scotia and weighed 44 pounds.
5. Do lobsters keep growing throughout their lives?
Yes, lobsters continue to grow throughout their lives due to the production of a growth-inducing enzyme called telomerase.
6. What is the economic importance of lobsters?
Lobster fishing is an important industry, especially in North America, where millions of pounds of lobster are caught and sold every year.
7. Where are lobsters found?
Lobsters can be found in every ocean across the world.
8. How are lobsters caught?
Lobsters are caught using various methods, such as lobster traps or pots, which are baited containers that the lobsters enter and cannot escape from.
9. Are lobsters considered a delicacy?
Yes, lobsters are often considered a high-end delicacy and are enjoyed for their meat, which is often served in gourmet dishes.
10. Are lobsters endangered?
Lobsters are not considered endangered. However, conservation efforts are in place to ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect their populations.
