Giant Lobster Saved From The Pot

A giant lobster which is thought to be more than 50 years old is looking forward to a second lease of life at Portsmouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium after being saved from the pot.

The massive crustacean, which measures more than two feet in length, weighs around seven kilos and sports a foot-long cutting claw, was rescued after being spotted on ice at a local fishmongers.

The mighty lobster, who has been nicknamed ‘Larry’ by aquarists, was donated by a mystery pair who arrived at the aquarium with it in the back of their van.

Blue Reef’s Robbie Robinson said:

“These two chaps turned up at reception and said they had just bought a lobster for £100 from a local fishmongers and wanted us to look after it.

“We never had a chance to get their details but we think they may have been divers or engineers working for the Royal Navy. They said they didn’t want it to end up being eaten and asked if we could give it a new home.

“It’s definitely the biggest lobster I’ve ever seen and is in amazing condition. Trying to accurately age a lobster is virtually impossible but judging by its size we reckon he must be at least 50.

“We’re really hoping the guys who rescued him will get back in touch as it would be great to find out the full story and for them to see how well he is doing here in his new display,” he added.

Lobsters are among the planet’s oldest inhabitants with fossil remains found dating back more than 100 million years. They are also extremely long-lived with some individuals reaching ages in excess of 80 years.

A lobster’s claws grow much faster than the rest of its body. In one giant specimen it’s claws were twice the weight of the rest of the animal.

As with most members of the crustacean family, lobsters are also able to re-grow lost limbs and even re-generate missing eyes.

The heaviest recorded crustacean is an Atlantic lobster nicknamed Mike who was caught in 1934 and tipped the scales at an awesome 19kg.