Nephrops norvegicus

Nephrops norvegicus, known as the Norway lobster, Dublin Bay prawn, langoustine or scampi, is a slim, orange-pink lobster which grows up to 25 cm (10 in) long, and is "the most important commercial crustacean in Europe". It is now the only extant species in the genus Nephrops, after several others were moved to the new genus Metanephrops. It lives in the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean, and parts of the Mediterranean Sea, but is largely absent from the Baltic Sea and Black Sea. Adults emerge from their burrows at night to feed on worms and fish.

Description

The body of Nephrops norvegicus is slim and compressed, particularly the abdomen, which is translucent, and is covered with a thin, flexible cuticle. The carapace and the abdomen bear rows of forward pointing spines. The first three pairs of legs bear claws, of which the first are greatly enlarged and bear many rows of teeth. The colour is generally a pale orange-pink, but can be varied.

Distribution

Nephrops norvegicus is found in the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean and North Sea as far north as Iceland and northern Norway, and south to Portugal. It is also found in the Mediterranean Sea, but is absent from the Baltic Sea and Black Sea.

Ecology

Nephrops norvegicus adults prefer to inhabit muddy seabed sediments, with more than 40 percent silt and clay. Their burrows are semi-permanent, and vary in structure and size. The species is a scavenger, consuming a wide range of food.

Fisheries

Nephrops norvegicus is fished commercially, mostly using bottom trawling. Around 60,000 tonnes are produced annually, half of it in Scotland. The species is also fished recreationally, though this is less common.

External links

• MarLIN species information
• SeaLifeBase summary

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  Norway Lobster Scotland