The difference between male and female lobsters

Served hot out of the shell or in your favorite recipe, lobster is a mild and slightly sweet delicacy to be savored and enjoyed. But did you know that some shellfish aficionados claim that female lobsters are superior to males?

One reason for this is that female lobsters produce roe. Also called coral, lobster eggs are dark green but turn a brilliant red when cooked and are considered a gourmet food item.

Additionally, female lobsters have wider, fleshier tails than males. While the tail meat doesn’t have a distinct taste, many prefer its texture and its appeal in terms of plate presentation.

Identifying the sex of your lobster
While male and female lobsters look almost the same, there are some visual differences. Male lobsters tend to have bigger claws than females of a comparable size. And as already mentioned, females have wider tails than their male counterparts.

Under their tails, all lobsters have small appendages, called pleopods, or swimmeretes, which help them to swim. On a female, these limbs are soft and feathery, while on a male, they’re hard and bony.

Male versus female lobsters
Which lobster you choose is a matter of personal taste. If you prefer claw meat, go for a male. If you favor tail meat or love the roe, a female is the best option. No matter your preference, you’re certainly in store for a decadent and luxurious meal.