Description
Because the shell does not extend, the lobster has to moult regularly in order to grow. In the first few years of their life, they will moult more frequent, when they get older the time interval will increase. To keep its lime level in tact, the lobster will eat the old shell. The two claws show a big difference and both have heave an other purpose. One is heavier and is used to crush mussels and snails. The other one is used as a scissor to cut pieces of their prey. During fights, male often loose a claw, but that get be regenerated.

Size
The maximum length from the tip of the rostrum to the telson is about 500 mm. Due to intensive fishing, they don't have a chance to get larger

Colour
From chestnut-brown, aubergine-colour to very dark blue with red antenna.

Habitat
They prefer rocky seafloors where they live in deep burrows (up to 40 meters) often made by them selves.

Distribution
North Atlantic, Mediteranean sea and Black sea.