Homarus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Homarus: //həˈmeɪɹəs//

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Summary

Homarus is a genus of clawed lobsters consisting of the American lobster (H. americanus) and the European lobster (H. gammarus), characterized by dimorphic claws and complex mating behavior.

Physical Characteristics

Dimorphism between claws with a specialisation into a crushing claw and a cutting claw. Claws are lacking spines and carinae. Homarus is larger compared to similar genera Nephrops and Homarinus.

Identification Tips

Distinguished by the geographic distribution: H. americanus is found in the western Atlantic, while H. gammarus is in the eastern Atlantic. Notable structural difference includes teeth on the underside of the rostrum in H. americanus but not in H. gammarus.

Habitat

Found in the North Atlantic Ocean; prefers rocky substrates and is often located in burrows built by males.

Distribution

Homarus americanus is distributed from Labrador to North Carolina in the western North Atlantic, while Homarus gammarus is found from Arctic Norway to Morocco, including the British Isles and the Mediterranean Sea.

Diet

Homarus species are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a variety of crustaceans, mollusks, and detritus.

Life Cycle

The life cycle involves complex mating behaviors, with females carrying eggs on pleopods after external fertilization. The eggs hatch into pre-larvae, followed by three zoeal phases, and eventually settle as juvenile lobsters.

Reproduction

Mating occurs in shelters built by males, who attract females during courtship. Females store sperm for multiple years; eggs are fertilized externally and carried until hatching.

Predators

Predators include larger fish species, seabirds, and humans.

Ecosystem Role

As top predators and scavengers in their habitats, Homarus species play a crucial role in maintaining population controls of prey species, contributing to the health of marine ecosystems.

Economic Impact

Homarus americanus and Homarus gammarus are important commercially and are harvested extensively for food. They have significant economic value in fisheries.

Cultural Significance

Lobsters, particularly Homarus americanus, have a cultural significance in cuisines, especially in coastal New England, and are featured in various culinary traditions.

Evolution

Homarus reflects a convergence evolution on claw morphology with sister genera. The closest living relative is Nephrops norvegicus.

Similar Taxa

• Nephrops
• Homarinus

Misconceptions

Homarus species are often confused with other crustaceans but are distinguishable by their claw structure and geographic distribution.

Tags

• lobster
• marine biology
• crustacean
• fishery
• Homarus