Here’s Why Lobsters Have Two Different Claws
While the difference between the two can be subtle, you may notice if you look closely
It was once thought that lobsters (Homarus Americanus) only scavenged and ate dead things on the sea floor. This would probably make for some pretty easy pickings if this were true. However, lobsters have many prey such as clams, sea urchins, scallops, and some fish. With such a diverse diet, there’s no wonder that lobsters would need a range of tools. In fact, lobsters have two distinct claws that both serve different (but necessary) uses; the crusher and the pincher.
The Crusher
This claw does exactly as the name suggests — it crushes. This claw can exert up to 100lbs of pressure per square inch (yes, this has been tested). That is the equivalent of balancing 3 full cinderblocks on the better part of your thumb. This gives the lobster the ability to crush the shell of hard mollusks such as mussels and clams and it makes light work of almost anything that crosses its path. Once it’s finished crushing it’s prey, the lobster puts its other claw to work.
The Pincher
The pincher claw (sometimes called the quick claw or ripper claw) is where things get a little more ‘surgical’. While this claw may not be able to exert the same force as the other, it’s no less useful. The sharp tips on the end of the claw along with the many sharp teeth give the lobster the ability to tear flesh and retrieve meat from shells (such as clams) with greater precision. Both claws work together to ensure that there isn’t much the lobster can’t get at.
