Lobster v. Crab

[brianhogue]

I sent this question in to Cecil, but I wanted to see what information you forum folk could offer:

My friend and I are planning to buy both a live crab and lobster,
put them in a small area, and have them duel to the death. Is this
possible? Will they naturally fight? Or do they need prodding with
sticks? What conditions ought I set up to make this the most
successful duel between two fine crustaceans. ( I am most concerned
with things like the Ph of the water, salt content, etc.)

[Wishbone Ash]

Damn, you have alot of time on your hands.

[Xema]

Will they naturally fight? Or do they need prodding with
sticks?
They may first need some training along the lines of "When I prod you with this stick, it means you must go fight that crab [or lobster]."

[Wishbone Ash]

Tell the lobster that the crab has been sleeping with his mate. That should make them go right at it :D

[NoClueBoy]

You'll need to get them steamed.

[vetbridge]

Or do they need prodding with
sticks?

IANAMB, however you will seldom go wrong in choosing to poke with a stick. Oh wait . . . you said prodding, not poking. I am sure a Marine Biologist will happen by shortly.

[Phlosphr]

To factually answer your question (as I have actually done this with a lobster and a blue crab) You will not need to prod them to do anything. The lobster will simply grip the body of the crab and proceed to crush and eat it. Simple as that. Also, if you are setting up a tank for this purpose then buy instant ocean from the store and aerate the tank sufficiently. I did it in a bucket with real sea water when I was in my teens in Connecticut. It was fun to watch.

[vetbridge]

I am sure a Marine Biologist will happen by shortly.

See, I told ya!

[Scruloose]

[Super Fan]
Are dese full sized lobsters, or are dey mini lobsters?
[/SF]

[brianhogue]

Philosopher,
Thanks a bunch!
B

[rocking chair]

don't forget to play the smother brothers' lovely ballad of lobster and crab love.

that really gets them going.

[astro]

Biggest Lobster (http://www.boingboing.net/2005/03/03/lobsters_bigger_than.html)

Heaviest Crustacean: Atlantic Lobster Homarus americanus
Several records exist of individuals that weighed over 20 pounds. The record, however goes to a lobster weighing 42 pounds, 7 ounces, which was caught in 1934 and nicknamed "Mike".

Biggest Crab (http://photoweb.lodestone.org/photo/506/en)


Largest Crustacean: Giant spider crab Macrocheira kaempferi
Individuals can measure 12-14 inches across the body, with a claw span of 8-9 feet. There is a report of a crab weighing 14 pounds with a claw span of 12 feet.


Oddly enough one of the biggest shrimp is probably mean enough to kill them both (http://www.blueboard.com/mantis/)

[Phlosphr]

They'll bicker around a little bit, but in the end the lobster only has to get a hold of the crab and it's all over.

[postcards]

You'll need to get them steamed.

:D

[pinkfreud]

I wouldn't ask Cecil. This is a question for Dr. Zoidberg.

[Mangetout]

Is the crab prepared?

[cmkeller]

Phlosphr:

To factually answer your question (as I have actually done this with a lobster and a blue crab)

I should have known that someone on this board actually tried this.

[Wolfian]

Aquaman calls winner.

[Zsofia]

I read an article (I'm not sure where) about the secret lives of lobsters - evidently the males are very aggressive and will fight ala the Black Knight until they've lost all their legs. Also they're extremely stupid.

[Dag Otto]

The lobster will simply grip the body of the crab and proceed to crush and eat it. Simple as that.

Oh yeah? Explain this (http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=lobster&word2=crab) then.

[betenoir]

Is the crab prepared?

Just a little lemon juice and black pepper.

[Dijon Warlock]

[Super Fan]
Are dese full sized lobsters, or are dey mini lobsters?
[/SF][Frank Zappa]

Is that a real lobster, or is that a Sears lobster?

[/Frank Zappa]

[Jonathan Chance]

[Obscure reference]

One almost made it to a cab.

[/obscure reference]

[Hey, It's That Guy!]

I think a musical crustacean battle would be even cooler. After all, it is better to have lobsters on your piano than crabs on your organ.

[Tripler]

Biggest Crab (http://photoweb.lodestone.org/photo/506/en)


:eek: GAAAHH! :eek:

That thing is freaky! I'm loading the shotgun tonight. . .


Tripler
Screw that, I'm putting landmines around my apartment.

[Dijon Warlock]

I think a musical crustacean battle would be even cooler. After all, it is better to have lobsters on your piano than crabs on your organ.I needed a laugh today. This was it. Thank you.

astro's crab link: Woo-hoo! Call Tom Cruise!

[bouv]

The only problem I foresee is how you are going to get a live crab. Unless you live next to an ocean, they are hard to get. Many stores have lobster tanks...I've never seen a crab tank.

[Ass For A Hat]

I've never seen a crab tank.
Some of the Asian groceries in my town have crab tanks...and Mpls is pretty darn far from the ocean. Having viewed lobsters and crabs in side by side tanks, I'm a little surprised that the lobster is the prohibitive favorite in this battle. Lobsterville always looks like a pretty sleepy hamlet. Mostly just lobsters sitting around in lounge chairs. Crabtown on the other hand is always bustling. It looks pretty rough in there. I'd think you'd have to be pretty tough to make it in that burgh.