Lobsters have long been surrounded by a sea of myths and misconceptions, making them both mysterious and fascinating creatures in the culinary and natural worlds. From the idea that lobsters scream when boiled to the belief that they are immortal, these myths have fueled imaginations and influenced perceptions.
What's the truth behind the tall tales? In this blog, we will be taking a riveting and informative dive into some of the most common lobster myths, dissecting fact from fiction and shining some light on the true nature of these captivating crustaceans. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or just curious, join us on this myth-busting adventure and discover the real stories beneath the shell.
Myth 1: Lobsters Scream When Boiled
Myth Explained
Many people believe that lobsters scream when they are dropped into boiling water, a notion that evokes sympathy and unease. This myth has persisted over time, likely because of the high-pitched sounds people hear during cooking, which are mistakenly attributed to the lobsters themselves.
The Truth
In reality, lobsters do not possess vocal cords, so they are unable to scream or make any noise in response to being boiled. The sound that people often mistake for a scream is actually the steam escaping from the shell as the lobster cooks. The shell's surface has tiny air pockets that expel air when exposed to high heat, producing the infamous whistling sound.
Fun Fact
Did you know lobsters could regenerate their lost limbs? This means they are able to regrow their limbs after losing one from predators. Well, talk about resiliency! So, while the concept of lobsters screaming is really just a myth, their tenacity and versatility indeed are real.
Myth 2: All Lobsters Are Red
Myth Explained
Due to the clear examples in pop culture, as well as the restaurant menus using the image of a bright red lobster, many people develop the belief that lobsters are naturally red. Such an assumption only tells half the truth, with these people often surprised by a live lobster.
The Truth
The actual colors of lobsters are variants of green, blue, and brown. This camouflage enables them to blend with the ocean floor, making them invisible to countless predators. However, we have this concept of lobsters being red whereas this color is actually formed after lobsters are cooked. This is because a pigment, astaxanthin, breaks down due to the heat and is trapped in the lobster's shell by proteins.
Visual Appeal
Imagine a lobster color chart with all their natural shades, from dark blues and greens to speckled browns. Lobsters turn into frequent disguise artists in such colors in the underwater world. So next time you are at a seafood market, just stop for a moment and take a good look at the color palette in front of you of these amazing creatures before they make their appearance in the boiling pot.
Myth 3: Lobsters Mate for Life
Myth Explained
The idea that lobsters mate for life has become a romanticized notion, famously mentioned in TV shows like Friends, where lobsters are portrayed as the ultimate example of lifelong love and commitment. This charming myth suggests that lobsters are like the swans of the sea, staying with one partner forever.
The Reality
Actually, a lobster is more like the serial dater of the sea. Mating behavior in lobsters is a really complicated series of short-term relationships. A female starts looking for the top dog to mate and very soon after, moves on. Lobsters are known for their solitary behavior; they usually live alone in their burrows and associate with each other only if compelled.
Fun Fact
A female lobster molts before copulating with a male. During this phase, she is extremely vulnerable. So to protect her, she would migrate into a male's hole in the ground, and for a couple of days, he serves as her personal security. Afterwards, they go their separate ways again to their solitary existence, likely in pursuit of a new escapade.
Myth 4: Lobsters Are Immortal
Myth Explained
Among the ocean's many myths, the idea that lobsters are immortal stands out. This legend suggests that lobsters can live forever, continuously growing and regenerating without succumbing to age-related decline. It's a fascinating tale that paints lobsters as the timeless creatures of the sea, but let's dive into the truth behind this myth.
The Truth
Lobsters, while they have a long lifespan, are not immortal. Lobsters get bigger by shedding their old shell and growing another, this way bigger. It's this growing and repairing tissue that's key to their longevity. But as lobsters grow old, molting becomes more difficult and then less frequent. Eventually, it leads to exhaustion or complications, and lobsters either die of natural causes, predation, or disease.
Fun Fact
Lobsters live long—mostly 30 to 50 years in the wild, but in some places, lobsters have been reported to live for as many as 100 years. The longevity of lobsters is said to result from the enzyme telomerase, which repairs DNA and keeps a check on the aging process. But as the lobsters keep growing, the energy required for molting also increases accordingly, and it is only at extremely old ages that the older lobsters cannot support this energy expenditure and hence meet their end. As such, the lobster can't be said to be ageless.
Myth 5: Lobster Fishing Is Depleting the Environment
Myth Explained
The idea that lobster fishing wreaks havoc on marine ecosystems is a concern often voiced by those unfamiliar with the industry's practices. Many assume that lobster traps and fishing techniques contribute to overfishing and environmental degradation, painting lobster fishing as a villain of the seas.
The Truth
Contrary to this belief, lobster fishing is one of the most regulated and sustainable practices in the seafood industry. Lobster fishers use traps that are designed to minimize bycatch, allowing non-target species to escape unharmed. There are strict regulations on the size and number of lobsters that can be caught, ensuring that only mature lobsters are harvested and that juvenile populations can continue to grow and reproduce. Additionally, the lobster industry enforces measures like trap limits, closed seasons, and protected breeding areas to maintain healthy lobster populations.
Beneficial Impact
Responsible lobster fishing not only helps protect marine ecosystems but also provides economic and cultural support to the coastal communities. Jobs are created to operate the industry; this is with an aim to give a reason for stewardship with respect to the vital resources of the ocean and to sustain local economies.
Many lobster fishers come from families with many generations of involvement in the industry, and hence they are sensitive towards the well-being of the marine environment. They work closely with scientists and regulators toward sustainability and sound management of lobster fisheries.
Fun Lobster Facts
There is so much about lobsters that may surprise you, from being able to regrow their claws to the fact that they have teeth in their stomachs, called the gastric mill, used to grind up food. They also have blue blood, through a molecule called hemocyanin, which is based on copper, and an amazing propensity to change color and live a very long time.
These quirky traits make lobsters true marvels of the sea! If you're intrigued by these fascinating creatures, explore our Weekly Specials for a taste of adventure. Try our succulent lobster tails, or if you're feeling bold, dive into the world of live Maine Lobsters. Your taste buds will thank you!