Crab lovers must be crazy about Alaska and Maine lobsters because of their impressive appearance and incredible taste. But what is the difference between the two species?
Despite how much they look alike, some qualities will set them apart. Our comparison between Alaska lobster vs. Maine lobster will tell you what they are.
So let’s check it out!
What Is Alaska Lobster?
Alaska lobsters, or Canadian lobsters, thrive in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean’s seabed. The best season for catching these lobsters is from June to July and October to January.
Depending on the season, Canadian lobsters may have a yield of 20 to 25% and have a rich, sweet flavor.
The cooler temperatures that Canadian lobsters live in cause their shells to stiffen. The sweetness and softness of the flesh are two physical features that change because of this.
Alaska lobsters can endure being out of the water for up to 72 hours because of their thick shells.
People like this species due to its longer survival period and ease of delivery. So, suppliers can deliver fresh lobsters directly to consumers or supermarkets.
What Is Maine Lobster?
Maine lobsters, or American lobsters, live in waters between North Caroline and Eastern Canada. But Maine is where people find more than half of them in the US Maine.
It is the biggest species of living crab and the heaviest crustacean, with a maximum body length of 25 inches and a mass of nearly 4 pounds.
Because of a mix of red, yellow, and blue pigments that naturally occur in the shell, Homarus americanus has a regular color that ranges from brown to blueish green with red spines.
Rarely, genetic abnormalities or other conditions cause these colors to be distorted, causing a spectacle for observers.
American lobsters are a delicious treat. Usually, people love to boil and steam them. If stored properly in the refrigerator, hard shells may endure being out of the water for up to five days.
We’ve gone through what Alaska lobster and Maine lobster are; it’s time to go into details of the comparison between these two common kinds of lobster.
Alaska lobster Vs. Maine lobster – Similarities
Alaska and Maine lobsters are similar in appearance. You may also be confused when checking their origin. They even have the same requirements in their environment.
Here are some similarities between the two species.
Origin
Both the Alaska and Maine lobsters originate from the Atlantic coast of North America. They are all members of the “Homarus Americanus” family.
Water Temperature
Alaska and Maine lobsters live well in shallow water, just 13 to 164 feet deep. They will have more hiding spots to escape from predators in shallow, rocky locations.
However, sometimes, you can find the two types of lobsters to a depth of around 1500 feet, especially the Alaska species.
Body
Both species are large, cold-water creatures. Each has four pairs of legs, one pair of beards, and two huge paws.
These two lobsters seem very similar to one another. But you can easily tell the difference after tasting the meat.
Alaska Lobster Vs. Maine Lobster – Differences
Alaska and Maine lobsters live in different parts of the ocean, with the former diving deeper. They also have different shell thicknesses and densities. Because of the shell, you will notice a particular kind of sweetness in the meat.
We will discuss each difference between the two species in this section. There is a comparison table at the end, to sum up.
Region
Both lobsters live on the Atlantic coast of North America. However, temperature and conditions fluctuate within the area.
All of Canada’s coasts are home to Canadian lobsters. Because they can endure colder temperatures, they have a wider distribution than Maine lobsters. This cold-resistant ability also allows them to live deeper.
On the other hand, although you can find Maine lobsters across the Atlantic North American coast, they mainly stick to the coast of Maine.
Shell
Many people can’t distinguish these two types of lobsters because of their similar appearance. Their mottled dark brown and black contribute to the confusion.
But you’ll see the difference in terms of size. The thicker shells of Alaska lobsters account for their bigger size.
Different water temperatures cause differences in the lobsters’ shell density. Alaska lobsters, which live in colder climates, must grow thicker shells to survive. Meanwhile, Maine lobsters don’t have to develop thick shells because they live in warmer waters.
Related: What to do with lobster shells
Meat Taste
Owing to their thinner shells, Maine lobsters are sweeter and more delicate. On the other hand, Alaska lobsters are bigger and have more flesh.
The thicker shell of Alaska lobsters affects the softness and sweetness of the meat. As a result, the flavor of Alaska lobster meat may not be as good as it is of Maine lobster.
Related: Lobster tail ramen
Body
Both lobsters have crushers and pincer claws. The exact size of the claws varies depending on the body size. In general, an average Alaska lobster is slightly bigger than its competitor because of its thick shell.
Price
Because of the sweet and tender meat, Maine lobsters are more expensive than Alaska species. In some regions, Alaska lobsters are only 50% of the price of Maine lobsters.
Comparison Table
Before heading to the supermarket and buying your favorite lobster, let’s check this table to summarize what we have discussed.
| Criteria | Alaska Lobster | Maine Lobster |
| Region | Colder areas of the Atlantic coast of North America | Warmer areas of the Atlantic coast of North America |
| Shell | Thicker dark greenish-browns or blacks | Thinner dark greenish-browns or blacks |
| Meat Taste | Sweet and denser | Sweet and tender |
| Body | Bigger | Smaller |
| Price | Cheaper | More expensive |
Alaska Lobster Vs. Maine Lobster – Cooking
When it comes to cooking, both Alaska and Maine lobsters are widely used in culinary arts, albeit with slight variations in preparation and taste profiles due to their inherent differences.
Both types of lobster are commonly steamed or boiled, offering a delightfully fresh, oceanic flavor that is greatly enjoyed by seafood lovers.
Alaska lobsters, with their thicker shells and denser meat, are often used in dishes that require a longer cooking time, such as stews and chowders. The ruggedness of this lobster’s meat allows it to hold up well in the cooking process, maintaining its texture and flavor.
On the other hand, Maine lobsters, known for their tender and sweet meat, shine in recipes that highlight these attributes. They are perfect for delicate dishes like lobster bisque or lobster salad.
In addition, due to their thinner shells, Maine lobsters are also easier to crack open, making them a favorite for lobster rolls.
Once you have fresh Maine lobsters, cook them to enjoy the taste of heaven. This video will help you:
In both cases, the key to bringing out the best flavors of the lobsters is not to overcook them, as this can lead to a rubbery texture. Ideally, lobsters should be cooked until their shells turn a bright red color and the meat is just opaque, ensuring the meat remains tender and juicy.
From here, the application of butter, lemon, or other enhancing flavors can truly allow the unique, succulent tastes of each lobster variety to shine through.
Alaska Lobster Vs. Maine Lobster – Nutritional Facts
When it comes to nutritional value, both Alaska and Maine lobsters are rich in vital nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet.
Protein
Lobster is known for its high protein content. Both Alaska and Maine lobsters offer this benefit. A standard serving size (approximately 145 grams) of cooked lobster can provide around 28 grams of protein.
Vitamins
Lobster meat is a good source of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for nerve function and the production of red blood cells. It also contains some amounts of vitamins B6, B3, and A.
Minerals
Lobsters are incredibly rich in minerals, particularly in selenium—a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from damage. They also contain significant amounts of zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium, contributing to bone health, metabolism, and immune function.
Fats
Lobsters are low in fat, making them a healthier option for those watching their fat intake. However, the difference in their habitats can slightly affect the fat content. Alaska lobsters, residing in colder waters, might hold a bit more fat than their Maine counterparts.
Calories
Despite their rich flavor, lobsters are relatively low in calories. A standard serving size of cooked lobster has around 130 to 140 calories. However, keep in mind that sauces or butter used in cooking or serving can significantly increase this amount.
Overall, although there are some similarities in appearance between Alaska lobster and Maine lobsters, they still have lots of differences and have different nutritional value.
Both are nutritious seafood options that can fit well into a balanced diet. So, remember that while they are low in fat and offer a variety of nutrients, the way they’re cooked can significantly impact their final nutritional values.
These are actually the same species, Homarus americanus, or the American lobster. There are only two Homarus lobster species: Homarus americanus, and Homarus gammarus (European lobster). To my knowledge, there aren’t any recognized subspecies of either lobster. In fact, I have never heard of “Alaska” lobsters at all (no surprise, given that the genus Homarus evolved and only lives in the Atlantic ocean). Physiologically speaking, lobster growing in warmer waters will grow to a larger size faster. Statistically speaking, that means that most of your larger lobsters are actually going to be coming from further down the coast in New England, where the warm waters allows them to molt more often and feed for longer than lobsters from northern Newfoundland (the northernmost limit of their range). Furthermore, larger lobsters must make thicker shells to support their larger size, or they won’t be strong enough to survive their next molt. Essentially, what you are describing are mature lobsters at different stages of growth. I speak with such authority because I’ve spent the last 5 years in graduate school in Nova Scotia studying the life history and behavior of Homarus americanus for my thesis.
Thank you for your contribution. I’m sure you are also passionate about researching seafood species, especially lobster, right? This article is the result of our long-term research and has been verified by reliable data sources.
I would like to comment on your points as follows:
“Physiologically speaking, lobsters growing in warmer waters will grow to a larger size faster.” Lobsters molt more frequently at higher temperatures, but they gain less size with each molt. => The size of the lobster is not completely proportional to the number of molts.
“Furthermore, larger lobsters must make thicker shells to support their larger size, or they won’t be strong enough to survive their next molt.” What you’re saying is common to all other lobsters and crustaceans when they reach large sizes.
However, for every 1 °C increase in water temperature, the shell length of developing lobsters (about 50% mature) decreased by 2.8mm
In addition, there are currently many concerns with the forecast that water temperatures in the Gulf of Maine will rise a few degrees by the end of the century, which could mean trouble for lobsters and the industry they support. Lobster larvae reared in water 3 degrees Celsius higher in temperature struggled to survive compared to lobster larvae reared in water that matched current temperatures typical of the western Gulf of Maine.
Here are our opinions; if you have any questions or additional information, don’t hesitate to share. Once again, thank you very much. We are really happy for your interest in my article. Have a good day!
Thanks so much for this, Rachel Webber: correct on all counts.
(Source: I am an actual human researcher and not a bot- can’t say the same for the “writer” of this “article”, given the weird and worthless response to Rachel Webber’s comment.)
Thanks for your feedback! We appreciate your comment; it’s really the main motivation for us to keep publishing new articles. Your support means a lot to us. Thank you, and have a nice day!
I couldn’t resist commenting
Definitely imagine that which you stated. Your favourite reason seemed to be on the net the easiest factor to understand of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed at the same time as other people consider worries that they plainly don’t realize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and outlined out the whole thing with no need side effect , other people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thank you
I was just seeking this information for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your site. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative web sites in top of the list. Normally the top web sites are full of garbage.
I think other website proprietors should take this website as an model, very clean and excellent user genial style and design, as well as the content. You’re an expert in this topic!
Simply a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw great design and style. “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler.” by Albert Einstein.
Great post, I think website owners should learn a lot from this web blog its very user genial.
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thank you again
Hey there! I’m so glad you found the post helpful. Thanks for the kind words, and have a fantastic day!
The subsequent time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I imply, I do know it was my choice to learn, however I truly thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you might repair when you werent too busy in search of attention.
I appreciate your honesty, and I’m sorry to hear you were disappointed. I’ll take your feedback to heart and strive to improve. If there’s a specific aspect you think could be better or if you have suggestions, feel free to let me know. I’m here to create content that resonates positively, and your input is valuable. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Its excellent as your other content : D, thanks for posting.
excellent points altogether, you simply won a new reader. What could you suggest in regards to your put up that you just made a few days ago? Any positive?
Rattling superb info can be found on web blog. “Life without a friend is death without a witness.” by Eugene Benge.
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
A lot of of the things you mention happens to be supprisingly appropriate and it makes me ponder the reason why I had not looked at this in this light previously. This piece truly did turn the light on for me as far as this specific topic goes. However at this time there is actually one particular issue I am not necessarily too cozy with so whilst I make an effort to reconcile that with the core theme of the position, let me see exactly what the rest of your visitors have to say.Nicely done.
I was reading some of your blog posts on this site and I conceive this web site is really instructive! Retain posting.
Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.
As a Newbie, I am always searching online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you
Hello, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Chrome, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, amazing blog!
Thanks! Please try checking the latest version of IE. I tried browsing the website on Bing and did not encounter such an overlapping error.
I precisely wished to thank you so much yet again. I do not know what I would’ve used in the absence of these pointers shared by you about such theme. It previously was an absolute fearsome scenario in my circumstances, nevertheless witnessing the very expert avenue you treated that took me to cry for fulfillment. I will be grateful for your assistance and then wish you recognize what an amazing job you happen to be providing teaching people with the aid of a web site. I’m certain you haven’t got to know all of us.
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely great. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful web site.
An attention-grabbing dialogue is value comment. I feel that you should write extra on this subject, it may not be a taboo subject however usually people are not sufficient to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Definitely consider that which you said. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the web the easiest thing to consider of. I say to you, I certainly get irked whilst people consider worries that they plainly don’t understand about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest as well as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , other folks could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thank you
Throughout the great scheme of things you actually secure a B- with regard to effort. Where you actually misplaced us ended up being on your details. You know, it is said, details make or break the argument.. And it could not be much more accurate in this article. Having said that, allow me say to you what exactly did work. Your writing is actually quite persuasive and this is most likely the reason why I am making the effort to opine. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. Next, although I can notice a leaps in reasoning you make, I am not sure of exactly how you seem to connect the points that help to make the final result. For now I will yield to your position however wish in the near future you link your dots better.
I like this web site because so much utile stuff on here : D.
Whats Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & help different customers like its aided me. Great job.
I love this job. Congratulations.
The works contributed are highly interesting. Greetings.
Perfectly written subject material, thankyou for entropy.
Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a applicable deal. I have been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered vibrant clear idea
Your passion for the subject shines through in every post. It’s contagious!
Your balanced approach to controversial topics is commendable. Always insightful!
Your detailed analysis always brings a new perspective. Keep up the great work!
You excel at creating content that’s both educational and captivating
You’ve created a blog that’s as entertaining as it is informative.
Each blog post is a journey into knowledge and understanding.
Your blog is a go-to source for insightful analysis and perspectives.
Your blog is a go-to source for insightful analysis and perspectives.
Your blog stands out for its quality and depth of insight.
Your posts are a beacon of clarity in a crowded digital world.
Your commitment to quality and depth in your writing is clear.
You have a gift for making complex subjects easily digestible.
Your blog is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in your field.
You’ve created a blog that’s as entertaining as it is informative.
Your posts are a beacon of clarity in a crowded digital world.
Your writing is a wonderful mix of informative and compelling.
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks
I’m Impressed By Your Ability To Convey Such Nuanced Ideas With Clarity.
Your Post Has Been Incredibly Helpful. Thank You For The Guidance!
A Masterpiece Of Writing! You’ve Covered All Bases With Elegance.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
I’m still learning from you, as I’m trying to achieve my goals. I definitely enjoy reading all that is written on your site.Keep the tips coming. I liked it!
I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am quite sure I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thank you However I’m experiencing challenge with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting identical rss downside? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your site by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Thoroughly insightful read, or so I thought until I realized it was The expertise shining through. Thanks for making me feel like a novice again!
The post has been incredibly helpful. Thank you for the guidance!
The work is truly inspirational. It’s as if you’ve found a way to whisper sweet nothings to my intellect.
This post was a breath of fresh air. Thank you for The unique insights!
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?