Homarus

lobster genus

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June 29, 2026

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The genus Homarus refers to the true lobsters, a group of marine crustaceans belonging to the family Homaridae. These bottom-dwelling, nocturnal animals are characterized by their rigid exoskeletons and five pairs of legs, with the first pair often modified into large pincers.123

True lobsters, including the American lobster (Homarus americanus) and the European lobster (Homarus gammarus), are commercially important as food, with humans consuming their muscular abdomens and claws. They inhabit various seas, typically scavenging for food or preying on smaller marine life. Females can lay thousands of eggs, which attach to their swimmerets until hatching.2

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crustacean
Importance to humans
…probably the true lobster (Homarus species), although overfishing since the early 20th century has greatly diminished the catches of both the North American and the European species. Freshwater crustaceans include crayfish and some river prawns and river crabs. Many species have only local market value. It is probable that…
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…probably the true lobster (Homarus species), although overfishing since the early 20th century has greatly diminished the catches of both the North American and the European species. Freshwater crustaceans include crayfish and some river prawns and river crabs. Many species have only local market value. It is probable that…
Read More