Maine Lobster Facts: 10 Fascinating Things You Didn’t Know

by Oleg Nikitenko March 08, 2025

Maine Lobster Facts: 10 Fascinating Things You Didn’t Know

Maine lobsters are renowned worldwide for their sweet, succulent meat, but there’s much more to these crustaceans than just their delicious taste. From their long lifespans and unique molting process to their role in Maine’s economy, lobsters are truly remarkable creatures. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply curious about marine life, these 10 incredible facts will give you a deeper appreciation for Maine lobsters.

1. Maine Lobsters Can Live Over 100 Years

Maine lobsters are among the longest-living marine species, with some individuals estimated to be over 100 years old. Their long lifespan contributes to their impressive growth, allowing them to reach massive sizes. The largest lobster ever recorded weighed over 44 pounds!

Why It Matters:

Older lobsters are rarer and more valuable, significantly influencing Maine lobster prices .
Their extended lifespan means they have more time to develop their signature sweet and tender meat.

2. The Bigger the Lobster, the More Flavorful the Tail

Maine lobsters grow throughout their lives, making larger lobster tails more desirable for their meatier, juicier texture. Most lobster tails sold in markets come from lobsters weighing between 1 to 2 pounds, ensuring tenderness and flavor.

Lobster Tail Facts:

Smaller tails (4-6 oz) are more tender, ideal for delicate dishes.
Larger tails (10-12 oz) offer a richer, firmer texture, perfect for grilling.

🔥 Get the best Cold Water Lobster Tails for your next gourmet meal.

3. Lobsters Molt to Grow – And It Affects Lobster Season

Lobsters don’t have internal skeletons like fish. Instead, they grow by molting—shedding their hard shells to form new ones.

Molting and Seasonality:

Soft-shell lobsters (newly molted) have fragile shells and are usually caught in summer.
Hard-shell lobsters (fully grown shells) have more meat per pound and are ideal for shipping.

Lobster season in Maine peaks in late summer, when lobsters migrate closer to shore to molt and mate.

4. Live Lobsters Aren’t Naturally Red

Live lobsters appear in various colors, including:

Brownish-green (most common)
Blue (1 in 2 million lobsters)
Yellow (extremely rare)

Once cooked, all lobsters turn bright red due to heat breaking down pigments in their shell.

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5. Lobsters Can Regrow Their Claws

Lobsters have a fascinating survival mechanism: regeneration. If a lobster loses a claw, leg, or antenna, it can grow it back over time! This is a crucial adaptation for escaping predators and surviving injuries.

Did You Know?

Lobsters shed and regrow their exoskeleton up to 25 times in the first 5 years of life.
A lobster missing a claw is often called a “cull” and is usually sold at a lower price.

6. Lobsters Eat a Protein-Rich Diet – And It Affects Their Flavor

Maine lobsters are omnivores, feeding on:

Clams
Mussels
Fish
Small crustaceans

Their high-protein diet gives them a sweeter, brinier taste, making them superior to warm-water lobsters.

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7. Lobsters "Talk" Through Chemical Signals

Instead of making sounds, lobsters communicate using chemicals released in their urine. They use these chemical signals to:

Establish dominance among other lobsters.
Attract mates during mating season.
Mark territory to avoid conflicts.

Lobsters have an intricate social structure, and their unique way of communicating helps them survive in the wild.

8. The Maine Lobster Industry Supports Thousands of Jobs

Maine’s lobster industry is one of the largest seafood economies in the U.S., supporting over 4,500 lobstermen and thousands more in related industries.

Sustainable Lobster Fishing:

Maine enforces strict regulations to protect lobster populations.
Legal lobsters must be within a specific size range to allow younger ones to grow and older ones to reproduce.
Conservation efforts ensure that Maine lobster remains available for future generations.

9. Lobsters Migrate With the Seasons

Maine lobsters migrate based on water temperature:

Summer: Move closer to shore.
Winter: Retreat to deeper waters (up to 600 feet).

This migration pattern determines fishing seasons and affects supply and pricing.

10. Maine Lobster Rolls Are an American Icon

A Maine Lobster Roll is one of the most famous seafood dishes in the U.S. It consists of:

Fresh lobster meat (lightly buttered or dressed with mayo).
A toasted, buttery roll.
A simple, delicious flavor that highlights the lobster's natural sweetness.

While many variations exist, the best lobster rolls use fresh, cold-water Maine lobster for the best taste.

🔥 Make your own with premium Warm Water Lobster Tails .

Conclusion: Why Maine Lobster Stands Out

Maine lobsters are more than just a seafood delicacy—they’re an essential part of New England culture, a model of sustainable fishing, and a fascinating marine species. Whether you’re enjoying a live lobster, a lobster tail, or a classic lobster roll, you’re experiencing a rich tradition that has been cherished for generations.

✅ Order the finest Maine lobsters today:
🔗 Cold Water Lobster Tails
🔗 Live Lobster
🔗 Lobster Claws

📺 Watch seafood preparation and recipes on Global Seafoods’ YouTube Channel .