Table of Contents
If you’ve ever wondered how long lobsters live, you’re not alone. Many people wonder about their lifespan, including scientists, and even their veterinarians. But while you’re wondering how long lobsters live, you’ll be glad to know that Spiny lobsters and Slipper lobsters live for up to 15 years. The reason for this remarkable longevity is because these animals can regenerate lost claws and eye structure and even regenerate their appendages.
Spiny lobsters and Slipper lobsters live an average of 15 years
Both spiny lobsters and slipper crabs are long-lived creatures. Spiny lobsters grow to about 60 centimeters (two feet) in length. They feed on mollusks, crustaceans, chiton, and bivalves. Spiny lobsters molt several times during their lifetimes, and the larvae can survive for a decade or more in the ocean.
Both the Spiny and Slipper lobsters require careful acclimation to new environments. They do not do well with fluctuations in salinity, and the salinity should be kept constant. They shed their old exoskeletons periodically and secrete a new, soft skeleton beneath them. The old skeleton is split, exposing the new soft skeleton. Then, the lobster has to hide away from predators until it hardens completely.
Both the Slipper Lobster and the Spiny lobster are closely related to each other. 
Both species have claws but are not considered the original lobster. Slipper lobsters are often called shovel-nosed or mitten-lobster. The Slipper Lobster undergoes ten distinct developmental phases before reaching maturity. The Spiny lobster is a bit larger than its Slipper counterpart. Both lobsters live on average for fifteen years.
They can regenerate appendages
Did you know that lobsters can regenerate appendages? This incredible trait of the decapod crustacean enables it to survive a severed or lost limb. In rare cases, a lobster may intentionally cut off a claw, allowing it to escape a predator. In other cases, a lobster may intentionally consume its own amputated claw, as the protein contained therein can promote regrowth. Claws may regenerate back into a functional piece, but it will take several molts to regrow a larger appendage.
While lobsters are capable of regeneration of other limbs, they do not regenerate their entire tail. If this occurs, however, the tip of the tail may regenerate. If this happens, it is highly unlikely that a lobster will recover its whole tail, because it would have a difficult time escaping predators and would therefore be unable to survive without its tail. Moreover, the animal’s loss of its tail will cause it to suffer a fatal injury.
They can replace lost claws
Lobsters regenerate their lost claws and other appendages. Although lobsters do not have internal bones, their hard shell makes them a type of crustacean. A single-clawed lobster is called a “cull,” while a double-claw lobster is called a “bullet.” The replacement of a missing claw takes up to five years. While the claws and other appendages are not an ideal situation for a fancy dinner party, the limbs do have a regenerative effect on the animals.
For the longest life, lobsters must be kept in saltwater. Freshwater kills them, but live lobsters can survive for 24 hours in a fridge. You can store live lobsters in a refrigerator or freezer with seaweed and wet newspaper. A cooler with frozen gel ice packs is another great way to keep your live lobsters. But it is important to make sure the lobsters are chilled before freezing.
They can regenerate eye structure
If you’re wondering how lobsters see the world, you’re not alone. Most lobsters have eyes with mirrors instead of lenses. Their eyes are highly sensitive to light intensity and movement and give them a 180-degree view of their environment. While these eyes are complex and do not produce clear images, they do provide an excellent source of information about the environment around them. However, they do not regenerate their eye structure entirely.
In addition to their eye structure, lobsters can regenerate their antennae. Their antennae are among their fastest-replacing limbs. These parts are used for navigation, as well as for taste and smell. Because their tails are long and stubby, lobsters can tell a lot about their environment by tasting water. Their antennae can also taste food and water.
