Apnaut

European lobster

Homarus gammarus

European lobster (Homarus gammarus)

Photo: Bart Braun · Public domain

Depthbetween 5 and 40 m
Habitatrocky bottoms
DifficultyMedium

Knowing the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) well helps you decide where and when to dive for it. It usually frequents rocky bottoms and is found between 5 and 40 m, so it pays to adjust your search depth. It is usually solitary, which shapes how to approach it.

It takes some technique and knowing its behaviour. In Apnaut you have its minimum legal size across 2 different zones. Always check your area's current regulations before taking it.

Behaviour: usually solitary.

Minimum legal size by zone

ZoneMinimum size
North-East Atlantic8.7 cm
Mediterranean30 cm

Where to catch it

Other names

Bogavante (es) · Lavagante (pt) · Homard (fr) · Astice (it) · Hummer (de) · Αστακός (el) · Hlap (hr) · İstakoz (tr)

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum legal size for European lobster?

It depends on the area. For example, North-East Atlantic: 8.7 cm; Mediterranean: 30 cm. See the full size-by-zone table above.

At what depth is European lobster found?

Usually between 5 and 40 m, mostly over rocky bottoms.

Is it hard to spearfish on a single breath?

Its difficulty is “medium”. It is also usually solitary. In Apnaut you can log your catches and their size.

Log it in Apnaut

Add this species to your collection, log your catches with their size and check the legal minimum for your area, all from your phone.

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