Tag: Gulf of Maine Research Institute

The Adventures of Lisa Olson and The O’Maley Innovation School 6th Graders at The Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

This was taken at Gulf of Maine Research Institute. O’Maley  Innovation Middle School 6th graders were invited by the Institute, to explore their facility. It was a very impressive day for the sixth graders! This blue lobster was in their tank. Lisa Olson

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This was the sign greeting us

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This two toned lobster recently made the news

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On one station, students measured lobsters, took pictures of them, and answered questions on lobster populations.

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These were just some of the fun photo’s from out trip. I thought you would like the cool lobsters we got to see! The whole 6th grade got to go on this field trip. You could get more info from staff if you were interested. Love the website! Lisa Olson

Lobster Claw Regeneration Pictures

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Here’s the first of some pictures I took of a lobster with a newly regenerating claw.

Lobster Claw Regeneration Pictures, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

From The Gulf of Maine Research Institute–

“Armored Arthropod

(External anatomy)

Top view lobster diagramThe first thing you notice about Homarus americanus, the “Maine” or “American” lobster, is its two strong claws: a big-toothed crusher claw for pulverizing shells and a finer-edged ripper claw resembling a steak knife, for tearing soft flesh. The lobster uses these claws, as well as smaller appendages around its mouth (mandibles and maxillipeds), for gripping and shredding its food. Besides its formidable front claws, the lobster also has eight walking legs, giving it ten legs altogether, which is why people who classify things call it a decapod.

The lobster usually crawls forward on its walking legs, but if it needs to make a quick exit, it contracts its tail forcefully and scoots backwards. When you first pick up a lobster, it frequently exhibits that flight response. Lobstermen call young lobsters, who do this a lot, “snappers.” Under stress, a lobster may also “throw” a claw or a walking leg, but it will eventualy regenerate a new, fleshy, “limb bud.” At the next molt, the lobster deposits a skeleton on the new limb.”