Fish and Their Fabulous Neighbors [ 193 



THE AGGRESSIVE LOBSTERS 



If you make a habit of observing the activity among the 

 seaweed in shallow waters, you may have an opportunity to see a 

 struggle between a lobster and a crab, although such encounters 

 are rather infrequent. The crab even a large one apparently has 

 little chance against his opponent: A lobster's claws are extremely 

 powerful. One of them is very broad and is used for crushing; the 

 narrower one cuts food to bits. Its mouth can crush as well as 

 bite. It is also probable that the lobster has an advantage over 

 the crab because its feelers, especially a second pair, are longer 

 than the crab's. With them the lobster can investigate holes and 

 crevices and is extra-sensitive to danger as well as possible prey. 



THE LOBSTER IS HELPLESS WITHOUT ITS COAT OF ARMOR 



Though the lobster has a great fighting asset in its brutal claws, its tough shell has 

 enormous defensive value. At the times when the lobster has to shed its shell for a 

 new one, it is helpless against the onslaught of its enemies. The lobster is valuable 

 as food, and our yearly catch is worth upwards of one million dollars. 



