The American lobster (Homarus americanus) possesses a formidable set of appendages that function as powerful tools for survival. Many people who encounter live lobsters question the danger these claws represent. The concern is valid, as these specialized tools are designed by nature to break through hard shells and tear flesh. Understanding the anatomy and mechanical power of a lobster’s claws provides a definitive answer regarding the potential for injury and the level of pain involved.
Understanding the Two Types of Claws
Lobsters typically feature two distinct types of claws, known as chelipeds, which perform entirely different functions. The crusher claw is robust and rounded, featuring low, molar-like teeth. This claw is built for slow, powerful contractions necessary to pulverize the shells of prey like clams, mussels, and crabs. The sheer bulk of the crusher claw is directly related to its purpose of generating immense force over a small area.
The second appendage is the pincer or cutter claw, which is generally smaller and more agile with sharp, serrated edges. This claw is designed for faster movements and is used to slice, tear, and hold softer prey like fish or worms. Lobsters exhibit “handedness,” meaning the crusher claw can be on either the left or right side, allowing the lobster to efficiently manage a variety of food sources.
How Much Force Can a Claw Exert?
The force potential of a lobster claw is substantial, and the largest specimens pose a genuine threat to human skin and bone. The crusher claw of a large American lobster can exert a force estimated to be around 100 pounds per square inch (PSI). To put this crushing power into perspective, this level of pressure is well within the range needed to fracture smaller bones in the human hand or finger. A pinch from the crusher claw is more likely to result in blunt trauma, deep bruising, or a compound fracture if the impact point is a finger joint.
The cutter claw, while not possessing the same crushing power, presents a different kind of danger due to its sharp edges. A strike from the cutter claw can cause a deep, painful laceration or puncture wound that breaks the skin and causes significant bleeding. While minor pinches from smaller lobsters typically result only in pain and superficial wounds, larger, hard-shelled lobsters can inflict injuries severe enough to require medical attention. The primary danger is the concentration of a powerful force onto a sharp or small surface area.
Preventing Injury When Handling Lobsters
The most effective way to prevent injury is to ensure the lobster’s natural defense mechanisms are neutralized before handling. Live lobsters are typically sold or transported with thick rubber bands secured around both claws, a measure put in place by fishers to protect handlers and the lobsters. These bands should remain on the claws until the lobster is prepared for cooking.
If the claws are unsecured, safe handling requires a precise grip on the lobster’s body. Always pick up the lobster by the carapace, or main body shell, gripping firmly behind the head and claws. Avoid grabbing the tail, as the powerful, rapid tail-flip reflex can cause the lobster to forcefully strike the handler or nearby objects. Handling should be kept to a minimum to avoid stressing the animal or provoking a defensive reaction.