The major difference between a Maine lobster and a rock lobster is the size of the claw and antenna, On a rock lobster, the antenna is much larger, while the claw is pretty much nonexistent. Youll likely find rock lobster also called spiny lobster. These Lobster are also called Rock Lobster. Another visible difference is that Spiny Lobster have small spines on the top of their bodies for protection while the top of Maine Lobster is smooth. He's kind of a big deal in the culinary world and is hosting a Atlantic lobster brunch at Sydney's Ananas Bar & Brasserie on Sunday. Some may possess a blue shell when born. They are also a little more camouflaged so they can blend into the rocks and reefs that they live in. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Spiny lobsters have small pointing spines covering their bodies for protection against predators, from which their name originated. Since Spiny Lobster live in warmer tropical areas their flesh tastes more like typical seafood. Maine lobster when caughthasa dark color with small hints of red (shown). For this crustacean, its all about the tail. Tiger lobster, no claws are humongous awesome taste as well, mostly tail but many are like 3 times the size of an atlantic lobster. Therefore, what do you think about the differences between Spiny Lobsters and Maine Lobsters/Canada Lobsters? However, holiday celebrations in that country had been canceled or reduced dramatically, and buyers were not purchasing spiny lobster at the same rate prior to COVID-19 pandemic. The first thing to look at is the shape of the tail. They prefer colder waters, and due to the change in water temperature, their populations are becoming more abandoned in their habitat. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. American lobsters are in the Astacidea infraorder, while spiny lobsters are in the Palinura infraorder. To be certain, they do indeed have claws, but they are so insignificant in size that they are discarded in restaurants. Were covering everything you need to know about these two prominent lobster breeds and which one we New England-born lobstermen think is the best. No, our warm water lobster (also known as Caribbean spiny lobster) is not a close relative of the cold water Maine lobster. Find out how to measure a spiny lobster. They have strong claws used for feeding. Copyright 1999 - 2023 State of Florida. Possession and use of a measuring device required at all times. This is only after they have been cooked. The Meaty Difference Between Spiny And Maine Lobsters. These shellfish are remarkably buttery and sweet and their texture is known for being tender yet meaty and satisfying. 3. You might be thinking, lobster is lobster, it tastes great no matter what!. Spiny Lobster vs Maine Lobster: What Are The Differences. See this Lobster Cooking Guide for an in-depth tutorial. They use their antennae to scare off predators with a sound or use them as weapons for anyone who challenges them. Officially a member of the genus Panulirus; one of the most common types of spiny lobster is the Panulirus argus.. Answer (1 of 4): Maine lobsters have large claws. There are several lobster species spread around the world, and these crustaceans inhabit every ocean, including cold water vs warm water lobsters. Spiny lobsters tend to be more colorful than their northern counterparts. It can be said that their prices are not high because the meat is soft and difficult to process. Do spiny lobster taste like Maine lobster? Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saut pan over medium heat. They can grow to about 60 cm or 2 feet in length and weigh about 15 pounds. So youve purchased delicious Maine lobster online, but arent ready to cook it yet. Their rarity could also make them more prized on a global scale; while Maine lobsters are only found in Atlantic waters, spiny lobsters are available outside of the U.S. as well, specifically off the Asian coast and in southern Brazil, per AZ Animals, and in the Caribbean Sea, as noted by NOAA Fisheries. In January, Chinese buyers should have been paying top dollar for large amounts of spiny lobster from the Keys and South Florida in preparation for the Chinese New Year on Jan. 22. New England's mail order Spiny lobsters ( Palinuridae) are a family of crustaceans with about 60 species. Females have a slightly wider tail, than the mail lobster. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL (850) 488-4676 Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. There are many types of lobsters. This was the best tasting challenge ever!!!! Please call the FWC Marathon office at 305-289-2320. It's true that spiny lobsters don't have large pincer claws. Thats rightspiny lobsters dont have claws! Do you plan on visiting Portland, Maine soon? Copyright text 2018 by Sportfishing Lures. Incredibly, both lobsters serve as food for humans. Expert lobstermen and chefs agree. Unlike the Caribbean spiny lobster, these other lobsters are "unregulated" meaning they do not have a minimum size limit or season; however, egg bearing females must be released. Available year-round, with their numbers spiking in late summer and into fall, Maine lobsters are considered the ultimate lobster delicacy, per The University of Maine. Advertisement The water temperature is 65 degrees and although the visibility isn't fantastic underwater, the. They are warm water creatures and migrate to deeper waters in the winter. Lobster in the wild. Coarse salt, to taste. Fill rolls with the lobster salad and dig in! Its all a matter of choice, so try both types, and see which one you prefer! As a result of their soft meat and weight, they are considered the heaviest crustaceans globally. Signup today! Look for a lively one, as you would with a Maine lobster, and never buy a dead lobster that has not been frozen, as enzymes in the lobster can rot the meat very quickly. Rock Lobster vs Maine Lobster: Key Differences and Why They Matter, The Best, Lobsterman-Approved Ways to Cook Maine Lobster, Showdown: Why Maine Lobster is the Best Lobster, The Easiest Way to Get Your Hands on Maine Lobster, Diagnosing Cheap Lobster: Mushy Meat, Discoloration, Fake Lobster, and More, The best ways to find and prepare Maine vs Rock Lobsters, Or even sea crayfish because of their similar shape to spiny crayfish, Maine lobsters carry more meat in their robust claws (which spiny lobsters are missing altogether), Atlantic lobsters also have a naturally sweeter flavor that needs little to no seasoning to shine on the plate, Theyre easier to cook and handle, thanks to the smooth, spike-free body, Their texture is succulent and meaty, never dry, 100% real lobster with no added preservatives. Ananas Bar & Brasserie Atlantic lobster brunch. There is a Lobster season and legal length and method requirements that vary from country to country and even state to state within the same country. The habitats of these creatures tend to be in cold and shallow waters. Lets begin! Call 305-852-7717 or visithttp://floridakeys.noaa.govfor information about no take areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Rock lobsters, or spiny lobsters, are also often called sea crayfish (unlike the 'true' freshwater crayfish), crays, or langoustines. For more information, please see our Disclaimerbelow. They can both be used in a number of ways to make a perfect dish. 12 Oakland St. Also known as the Caribbean lobster, the Florida spiny lobster is a common sight on menus from Key West to Kingston. VisitMaine or have live Maine lobsters shipped to you. The window has increased to 50 to 52 hours, which reduces the lobsters chance of surviving the trip, Nichols said. // ]]>//