Scientific name
Panulirus argus (Caribbean spiny lobster), Homarus americanus (American lobster)
Also known as
Spiny lobster, warm water lobster, langosta; Maine lobster, Canadian lobster, homard
Main origins
Brazil, USA, Canada, Bahamas
Main season
Brazil June to November; USA May to December
Overview
About Lobster
Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) has no large claws and is traded mainly as raw frozen tails with firm, sweet white meat. American lobster (Homarus americanus) is a clawed cold water species caught in traps in the Gulf of Maine and Atlantic Canada, prized for its sweet, tender meat.
North east Brazil is a long established source of spiny lobster tails, with the United States as its main market. American lobster is sold live, whole cooked and as raw frozen tails and meat, and is used in fine dining, hotel buffets and retail.
Key points
- Warm water tails from Brazil
- Live and frozen American lobster
- Tails graded by ounce
- Seasonal closures apply
Origins
Where it comes from
Brazil
Spiny lobster fished off the north east coast, with a closed season from 1 December to 31 May.
USA
Maine and Massachusetts lead the trap fishery for American lobster.
Canada
Atlantic Canada is the other main source of American lobster, with seasons set by fishing area.
Available origins vary through the year. Contact us for current availability.
Specifications
Available formats
| Product forms | Spiny lobster: raw frozen tails, whole frozen. American lobster: live, whole cooked frozen, raw frozen tails, meat |
| Sizes | Spiny lobster tails 3/4, 4/5, 5/6, 6/7, 7/8, 8/10, 10/12, 12/14, 14/16, 16/20 oz; live American lobster Chix 1/1.2 lb, Quarters 1.25/1.45 lb, Halves 1.5/1.7 lb, larger grades available |
| Freezing | Tails frozen raw and individually wrapped; whole lobster frozen raw or cooked in brine |
| Packing | Tails in 10 lb cartons; live lobster in insulated boxes with chilled packs for air freight |
| Season | Brazil: fishing June to November, closed 1 December to 31 May. USA: year round, most landings May to December |
| Certifications | Catch and health certificates; Gulf of Maine lobster not currently MSC certified; MSC available from some Canadian fisheries |
American lobster shell condition (hard, firm or new shell) changes through the year and affects meat yield. Specifications are typical for the trade and vary by origin and supplier. We source to your exact requirements.
Interested in Lobster?
Send us your specification, volumes and destination and we will come back to you with suitable offers.