Lobsters that survive for a long period of time can reach a length of 70 centimetres and a weight of 9 kilograms. On average, however, lobsters are about 30 centimetres long and weigh about 1 kilogram. The colour varies greatly from strong blue to dark violet tones. The flanks are yellow to brown with dark, often reddish speckles. Normally the right claw is more pronounced than the left, since it is used to both catch prey and as a form of defence. They cut food with the left claw. Lobsters are nocturnal animals, hiding during the day in cavities and under stones. They feed mainly on carrion, live fish, shellfish, algae and other marine plants. The female spawns only once every two years and carries up to 100,000 eggs under her tail. Lobsters grow very slowly. Early on in growth, they molt up to nine times per year, later only every two years. Lobsters reach sexual maturity at the age of six years.
