What Eats Lobsters? (28 Predators with Pictures)

Examples of animals that eat lobsters include squid, sharks, barracuda, crabs, and even some fish.

While we typically think of them as a seafood delicacy on the menu for humans, lobsters are actually a common food source for many different animals. From massive sharks to tiny crabs, many creatures have been munching on lobster for centuries.

Lobsters have evolved to have a hard shell to help protect themselves from predation, but some predators still manage to break through the shell and eat the soft tasty meat of a lobster.

Examples of Animals that Eat Lobsters

1. Barracudas

Barracudas are one of the most common predators of lobsters, and they often hunt them near the shoreline. These fish have sharp teeth that enable them to easily rip into the flesh of their prey. Barracudas usually eat smaller fish, but they will also consume crustaceans like lobsters when they can find them.

2. Blue Crabs

Blue crabs are a common type of crab that lives in the waters near the eastern coast of America. These crabs are opportunistic feeders, which means that they will eat whatever is available to them. This includes lobster, which makes up a large part of their diet. Blue crabs usually hunt for lobster at night, when they leave their hiding places to scavenge for food.

Related Article: Do Blue Crab Eat Whales?

3. Codfish

Codfish are a type of fish that is found in the waters near Europe and North America. These fish typically eat smaller fish and invertebrates, but they will also consume lobster when they can find them. Codfish usually hunt for lobster near the bottom of the ocean, where these crustaceans hide during the day.

4. Crabeater Seal

Crabeater seals are a type of seal that is found in the waters around Antarctica. These seals primarily eat krill, but they will also consume lobster when they can find them. Crabeater seals usually hunt for lobster near the bottom of the ocean, where these crustaceans hide during the day.

5. Dogfish

These small sharks are found in the waters off of the coast of Maine and are known for their love of lobster. While they typically only grow to be about 2-3 feet long, they have a voracious appetite and can eat up to 100 lobsters in a single day. Dogfish will often wait near lobster traps and snatch the creatures as they are being pulled to the surface.

6. Dolphins

These majestic creatures are not only intelligent and friendly, but they also love to eat lobster. Dolphins have been known to swim into lobster traps and eat the lobsters inside. They will also eat lobster that is caught by fisherman. While dolphins typically eat fish, they are not afraid to branch out and try new things, like lobster.

7. Flounder

Flounder is a type of flatfish that lives in the ocean. These fish are bottom-dwellers and use their camouflage to ambush their prey. While flounder typically eat small fish, shrimp, and squid, they have been known to eat lobsters on occasion.

8. Giant Squid

Giant squid are massive creatures that can grow to be up to 60 feet long. These creatures live in deep ocean waters and eat a diet of fish, crabs, and other seafood. While giant squid typically go after smaller prey, they have been known to eat lobsters when they can find them.

9. Grey Seals

Grey seals are marine mammals that can be found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These animals eat a diet of fish, octopuses, and lobsters. They use their powerful jaws to crush the shells of their prey.

10. Haddock

Haddock is a type of fish that can be found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These fish eat a diet of shrimp, squid, and other small fish. While they typically don’t prey on lobsters, they have been known to consume them on occasion.

11. Humans

Humans are not what we’d refer to when thinking of animals, but we’re still on the food chain. And lobsters have been a popular food item for centuries and are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. They are typically cooked and served with melted butter or mayonnaise.

12. Killer Whale

Also known as orcas, killer whales are some of the largest predators in the ocean. These massive animals can reach lengths of up to 30 feet and weigh over 6 tons. Despite their size, they are incredibly agile and fast swimmers. Killer whales hunt in packs and eat a variety of different prey, including fish, seals, and birds.

13. King Crabs

These large crustaceans can be found in the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. They typically eat a diet of clams, mussels, and other small crustaceans, but they have also been known to eat lobster. King crabs use their powerful claws to crush the shells of their prey.

14. Monkfish

Monkfish are a type of fish that can be found in the Atlantic Ocean. These fish are bottom-dwellers and use their camouflage to ambush their prey. While monkfish typically eat small fish, shrimp, and squid, they have been known to eat lobsters on occasion.

15. Moray Eels

Moray eels are a type of eel that can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean oceans. These animals are predatory and use their sharp teeth to prey on fish, shrimp, and lobster. Moray eels can be up to 6 feet long and have a snake-like body.

16. Nurse Sharks

Nurse sharks are a type of shark that can be found in the tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean oceans. These animals are bottom-dwellers and eat a diet of fish, lobster, and other small sharks. Nurse sharks are typically only 2-3 feet long, but they have a voracious appetite and can eat up to 10 lobsters in a single day.

17. Ocean Pout

The ocean pout is a type of eel that can be found in the Atlantic Ocean. These animals are bottom-dwellers and eat a diet of fish, shrimp, and lobster. The ocean pout uses its sharp teeth to prey on its victims.

18. Octopus

Octopuses are a type of cephalopod that can be found in the waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean oceans. These animals are predatory and use their sharp beaks to prey on fish, crabs, and lobsters. Octopuses are also known to be escape artists and have been known to open lobster traps and eat the lobsters inside.

19. Other Lobster

Lobsters are a type of crustacean that can be found in the waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean oceans. These animals are predatory and use their sharp claws to prey on fish, crabs, and other lobsters. Lobsters are also known to be cannibalistic and will often eat other lobsters if given the chance.

20. Otters

Otters are a type of mammal that can be found in the waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans. These animals are predatory and eat a diet of fish, crab, and lobster. Otters have a very high metabolism and must eat constantly to stay energized.

21. Raccoons

Raccoons are a type of mammal that can be found in the United States and Canada. These animals are omnivorous and eat a diet of insects, fruit, small animals, and, occasionally, lobster. Raccoons are nocturnal and use their sharp claws to prey on their victims.

22. Rock Gunnels

Rock gunnels are a type of fish that can be found in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. These animals are predatory and use their sharp teeth to prey on fish, shrimp, and lobster. Rock gunnels typically grow to be about 2 feet long.

23. Sculpin

Sculpin are a type of fish that can be found in the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These animals are bottom-dwellers and use their camouflage to ambush their prey. Sculpin typically eat small fish, shrimp, and squid, but they have been known to eat lobsters on occasion.

24. Skates

Skates are a type of fish that can be found in the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These animals are bottom-dwellers and use their sharp teeth to prey on fish, shrimp, and lobster. Skates typically grow to be about 2 feet long.

25. Snow Crabs

Snow crabs are a type of crab that can be found in the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These animals are predatory and use their sharp claws to prey on fish, shrimp, and other crabs. Snow crabs can grow to be up to 6 inches wide and are typically found in the colder waters of the ocean.

26. Tench

Tench are a type of fish that can be found in the waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean oceans. These animals are bottom-dwellers and eat a diet of small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Tench typically grow to be about 2 feet long.

27. Tigerfish

While tigerfish typically eat smaller fish, they have been known to take down larger prey, including lobster. Tigerfish are usually found in large rivers and lakes where they hunt for food during the day. They use their sharp teeth and powerful jaws to crush and eat their prey.

28. Wolffish

The wolffish is a large, predatory fish that is found in the cold waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These fish can grow up to four feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds. Wolffish are known for their aggressive nature and have been known to attack humans who get too close to them.

Conclusion

Animals that eat lobster can be found in many different habitats, including the ocean and freshwater. These animals use their sharp teeth to prey on fish, shrimp, and lobster. Some of these predators are more likely than others to find a meal from lobsters; like sharks or barracudas which have been known to take down a whole lobster.

Garreth

Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.