European Lobster (Homarus gammarus) is a large clawed lobster of rocky northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, typically sheltering in crevices and burrows.
See European Lobster clearly
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Responsible care profile
European Lobsters are powerful temperate predators that require a chilled public-aquarium exhibit, secure individual den, careful grouping, and regional harvest compliance.
Multiple references support this institutional or conservation-only care boundary.
2 referenced sources- Care level
- Advanced
- Minimum volume
- Not specified in current guidance
- Preferred volume
- Not specified in current guidance
- Adult size
- 23.6 in (60 cm)
- Reef compatibility
- Not Reef Safe
- Temperament
- Large territorial benthic predator
- Social plan
- single specimen unless a verified species-specific plan supports grouping
- Minimum footprint
- Purpose-built public-aquarium benthic exhibit sized from verified adult length
Water
- Temperature
- 46.4–68 °F (8–20 °C)
- Salinity / specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026 SG
- pH
- 8–8.4
Habitat
mature source-matched system; stable non-collapsing shelter; copper-free water and protected intakes.
A secure retreat large enough for the animal to turn and moult without exposure.
Light: Normal day-night cycle with a shaded retreat.
Flow: Oxygenated indirect flow that does not collapse the burrow or expose the animal during moulting.
Secure lid required.
Feeding
predator and scavenger of marine molluscs, crustaceans, and other benthic prey · Offer measured species-appropriate marine foods and verify consumption several times weekly. · Food options: quality sinking marine crustacean food when accepted, mysis, chopped marine mollusc or crustacean · Do not rely on leftovers. Monitor body condition, moulting success, and uneaten food; never use freshwater feeder animals.
Compatibility
Plan around adult reach, predation, burrowing, and vulnerability during moulting.
Avoid or assess carefully: copper medication, small crustaceans and molluscs, predatory fishes, unprotected pumps and heaters.
Acclimation and quarantine
Match salinity and temperature carefully, exclude copper-contaminated water, release beside the prepared refuge, and do not disturb a moulting animal.
Stocking safeguards
Aquarium setting: Institutional / wildlife only. Starvation risk: moderate.
Only after identity, legal origin, adult size, shelter, diet, and lifetime housing are documented.
- No ordinary home aquarium
- No copper exposure
- No mixed housing without a predation and moulting-risk assessment
Special risks
- Copper sensitivity
- Moulting vulnerability
- Escape
- Predation or territorial injury
Habitat and Distribution
A large clawed lobster of rocky northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, typically sheltering in crevices and burrows. Its documented range includes Northeast Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean Sea.
Feeding and Ecological Role
It is a nocturnal predator and scavenger of molluscs, crustaceans, worms, echinoderms, and other benthic food.
Conservation and Responsible Sourcing
Use legally harvested, traceable animals and consult current regional fishery rules, size limits, and seasonal protections. Verify legal origin, collection method, and current trade requirements before acquisition.
Protected areas associated with European Lobster
These MPA profiles identify this species as significant life. Association does not mean its entire range is protected.
A living record
Source-governed foundation profile. Taxonomy and marine status are checked against WoRMS and ecological context against SeaLifeBase. Image identity follows each Wikimedia Commons source record; records without species-level evidence remain collective rather than being identified from appearance. Public content last reviewed September 19, 2026.
- World Register of Marine Species — Homarus gammarus ↗Taxonomic authority
- SeaLifeBase — Homarus gammarus ↗Scientific biodiversity database