Lobster

Lobsters are not red in colour. The red lobster is the colour of a cooked lobster. In the wild, lobster have different colours that is green, brown and blue. Did you know that lobster communicates by urinating from their heads? Lobster is under the same family with crabs, that is Decapoda. And just like crabs, lobsters also experience the molting process where they shed their exoskeleton. Similar to snakes, these crustaceans shed their 'skin' as they grew bigger, outgrowing their exoskeleton. Lobster reproduction method is quite unique as the female have the ability to take in and store sperm cells from male similar to that of sea turtles female. The female lobsters are able to choose the exact time when they want to fertilize their egg, in which egg-laying season usually occurs in July and August.

According to a report, in Malaysia there are at least five species of spiny lobster under the genus Panulirus. Interestingly, lobster communicate with each other by spraying urine towards other lobster. They poses two bladders located under each eyes. The method of communication is also used to determine mating pairs between female and male lobsters.

Lobsters are often a sought-after seafood dish. Increase in demand for lobster is providing a source of income from local lobster farmers. It is estimated that lobster farming will increase the source of income of local farmers in Malaysia.

Photo credit: "Lobster" by laszlo-photo is licensed under CC BY 2.0