Lobsters are marine crustaceans whose life cycle depends heavily on successful reproduction. Distinguishing between the sexes is important for their biology and management. Lobsters have distinct physical characteristics and unique names associated with their sex, which are relevant in commercial fishing and conservation. Understanding these specific terms and physical traits provides insight into the species’ reproductive strategy and the regulations designed to protect them.
The Specific Terminology
The common name for a female lobster is a “hen.” This term is widely used in the fishing industry, particularly by lobstermen. The male counterpart is referred to as a “cock” or sometimes a “bull” in certain regions. This specific terminology reflects the practical need for clear communication and tracking, especially when discussing catches or reproductive cycles.
Identifying the Female Lobster
The most reliable way to identify a female lobster is by examining the first pair of swimmerets (pleopods) located on the underside of the tail. In a female, these appendages are soft, flexible, and feathery, designed to serve as attachment points for eggs. Conversely, the male’s swimmerets are hard, rigid structures that function as gonopods to transfer sperm during mating. Additionally, a female lobster’s tail section (abdomen) is noticeably wider and more rounded than a male’s. This broader shape provides a larger surface area to carry and protect a clutch of eggs for up to a year.
The Importance of Knowing the Sex
Distinguishing between male and female lobsters is a fundamental practice tied directly to conservation and the sustainability of the fishery. A female carrying eggs is known as a “berried” lobster, a term that signifies her reproductive status and protected classification. A single berried female can carry tens of thousands of eggs, sometimes over 100,000, attached to her swimmerets. Because of this immense reproductive potential, most fishing jurisdictions legally require that any berried female caught must be immediately returned to the sea. Conservationists also employ “v-notching,” where a small triangular notch is clipped into one of the tail flippers of a fertile female before release; this mark remains visible through several molts and serves as a permanent indicator that the lobster is a proven breeder, offering her additional protection from harvest.