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How to Tell the Age of a Lobster

Lobster has been sought after by commercial fishermen since the mid-19th century, and this wily invertebrate has been evading scientists for just as long when it comes to age. Gauging the exact age of a lobster is impossible. The only true way to determine the age of a lobster is through examining it's shell. Unfortunately, the lobster sheds its shell too often to get an accurate number. However, it is possible to estimate the lobster's age through measurement and observation.

Things You'll Need

Rubber bands
Measuring tape or ruler
Lobster anatomy chart
Heavy-duty rubber bands

Instructions

- 1
  
  The lobster's body is made up of 19 parts.
  
  Familiarize yourself with the lobster in question. The lobster is measured by the carapace, which is from the back of the eye socket to the back of the main part of the body shell. The eye socket is easily identifiable at the little black orb that makes up the lobster's eye. The main part of the body's shell is also the largest part of the lobster's body.
- 2
  
  The lobster's claws are very powerful.
  
  Secure the lobster to avoid injury. Place heavy-duty rubber bands around the claws to keep them from opening. Take extreme care in performing this step. If possible, acquire the lobster with rubber bands in place.
- 3
  
  The beginning of the carapace measurement is at the rear of the lobster's eye socket.
  
  Measure the lobster from the back of the eye socket to the back of the main body shell. If the lobster is 1.5 to 3.5 inches, it is an adolescent lobster. If the lobster measures less than 1.5 inches, it is a baby. If it measures more than 3.5 inches, it is a mature lobster. A mature lobster is anywhere from 5 to 15 years old, as it takes a lobster at least five years to mature. The average maximum age of a lobster is fifteen years. Scientists believe, however, that the lobster is capable of living up to 100 years.
- 4
  
  Lobsters can be "right-handed" or "left-handed" depending on which claw is larger.
  
  Examine the lobster's claws. Older juvenile and mature lobsters have one claw which is larger than the other, which is referred to as the crusher claw. If your lobster has two small claws that are about the same size, you have a young lobster.

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