Lobster vs. Yabby — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
Lobsters are large marine crustaceans, typically found in oceans. Yabbies are freshwater crustaceans native to Australia, resembling small lobsters.
Difference Between Lobster and Yabby
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lobsters are marine crustaceans, predominantly residing in the oceans and seas worldwide. They are characterized by their strong, segmented body, two large claws, and are often sought after for their delicious meat. Yabbies, on the other hand, are freshwater crustaceans primarily found in Australia. They have a similar appearance to lobsters but are much smaller in size.
Lobsters can be found in various parts of the world, from the cold waters of the Atlantic to the tropical regions. They play a vital role in marine ecosystems and are a significant commodity in the seafood industry. Yabbies, meanwhile, thrive in freshwater environments like ponds, lakes, and rivers in Australia. They are also a popular catch for recreational fishers in their native regions.
In culinary contexts, lobster is highly prized for its sweet, tender meat, particularly from its tail. Many gourmet dishes feature lobster as a primary ingredient. Yabby, though not as globally renowned as lobster, is still a cherished delicacy in Australia. Its taste is often described as sweet, similar to a combination of shrimp and lobster.
When comparing size, lobsters are generally much larger than yabbies. Some species of lobsters can grow up to several feet long, while yabbies are usually just a few inches in length. Despite their size difference, both have a hard exoskeleton that molts as they grow.
In terms of appearance, both lobsters and yabbies exhibit a segmented body, antennae, and multiple legs. However, the habitat distinction, size, and geographical distribution set them apart.
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Comparison Chart
Habitat
Marine (oceans and seas)
Freshwater (ponds, lakes, rivers)
Geographical Distribution
Worldwide
Primarily Australia
Size
Can grow up to several feet long
Usually a few inches in length
Culinary Value
Highly prized worldwide
Valued delicacy in Australia
Appearance
Large crustacean with two big claws
Smaller crustacean resembling a miniature lobster
Compare with Definitions
Lobster
A seafood delicacy, especially its tail meat.
The lobster bisque was exquisite.
Yabby
An edible Australian crustacean with sweet-tasting meat.
Yabby meat is often compared to a mix of shrimp and lobster.
Lobster
A large marine crustacean with a hard shell.
We ordered a grilled lobster for dinner.
Yabby
An Australian delicacy resembling a mini lobster.
We had a delicious yabby boil last night.
Lobster
A creature with a segmented body and two large claws.
The lobster moved its antennae in the tank.
Yabby
A small freshwater crustacean native to Australia.
He caught a yabby in the pond behind his house.
Lobster
An ocean-dwelling arthropod used in gourmet dishes.
The chef's specialty was lobster Thermidor.
Yabby
A creature with a hard exoskeleton found in ponds and lakes.
The kids enjoyed watching the yabby move in the aquarium.
Lobster
A decapod crustacean found in cold and warm seas.
The Atlantic lobster is known for its size and taste.
Yabby
A member of the crayfish family found in freshwater habitats.
The yabby is a popular catch for recreational fishers in Australia.
Lobster
Lobsters are a family (Nephropidae, sometimes also Homeridae) of large marine crustaceans. Lobsters have long bodies with muscular tails, and live in crevices or burrows on the sea floor.
Yabby
Any of several freshwater crayfish of the genus Cherax of Australia, especially C. destructor, commonly raised for food.
Lobster
Any of several edible marine decapod crustaceans of the family Nephropidae, especially of the genus Homarus, having stalked eyes, long antennae, a pair of large pincers, and a cylindrical body.
Yabby
(AU) An Australian freshwater crayfish of the genus Cherax, especially Cherax destructor.
Lobster
Any of several similar crustaceans, such as a spiny lobster.
Yabby
(Australia) A species of marine ghost shrimp, Trypaea australiensis, widely harvested by recreational anglers as bait.
Lobster
The flesh of a lobster used as food.
Yabby
(intransitive) To search, forage, or fish for yabbies.
Lobster
To catch or try to catch lobsters.
Yabby
To show disrespect by denouncing or insulting; to diss.
Lobster
Red-colored, especially from a sunburn.
Red as a lobster
Lobster
A crustacean of the Nephropidae family, dark green or blue-black in colour turning bright red when cooked, with a hard shell and claws, which is used as a seafood.
Lobster
A crustacean of the Palinuridae family, pinkish red in colour, with a hard, spiny shell but no claws, which is used as a seafood.
Lobster
A soldier or officer of the imperial British Army (due to their red or scarlet uniform).
Lobster
(slang) An Australian twenty dollar note, due to its reddish-orange colour.
Lobster
To fish for lobsters.
Lobster
Any large macrurous crustacean used as food, esp. those of the genus Homarus; as the American lobster (Homarus Americanus), and the European lobster (Homarus vulgaris). The Norwegian lobster (Nephrops Norvegicus) is similar in form. All these have a pair of large unequal claws. The spiny lobsters of more southern waters, belonging to Palinurus, Panulirus, and allied genera, have no large claws. The fresh-water crayfishes are sometimes called lobsters.
Lobster
As a term of opprobrium or contempt: A gullible, awkward, bungling, or undesirable person.
Lobster
Flesh of a lobster
Lobster
Any of several edible marine crustaceans of the families Homaridae and Nephropsidae and Palinuridae
Common Curiosities
Are lobster and yabby the same?
No, lobsters are marine crustaceans, while yabbies are freshwater crustaceans from Australia.
Are lobsters found in Australia?
Yes, lobsters are found worldwide, including parts of Australia.
Is yabby meat similar to lobster meat?
Yes, yabby meat is sweet, often compared to a mix of shrimp and lobster.
Are there different species of lobsters?
Yes, there are various species, like the Atlantic and spiny lobsters.
Is lobster more expensive than yabby?
Lobster is generally pricier on the global market, but prices can vary based on location and availability.
Do both lobsters and yabbies molt?
Yes, both shed their exoskeletons as they grow.
Can yabbies live in the ocean like lobsters?
No, yabbies are adapted to freshwater environments.
Is yabby farming popular in Australia?
Yes, yabby farming is a growing industry in Australia.
How big can a yabby grow?
Yabbies usually grow a few inches long, though some can be larger.
What's the main habitat for lobsters?
Lobsters predominantly live in the oceans and seas.
Can yabbies be kept as pets?
Yes, some people keep yabbies in aquariums as pets.
What do lobsters eat?
Lobsters are omnivores, eating a mix of marine plants and small creatures.
Are yabbies also called crayfish?
Yes, yabbies are a type of crayfish.
Can yabbies be found outside of Australia?
While native to Australia, they might be found in other places due to human introduction.
Is the blue lobster a real creature?
Yes, some lobsters can have a rare blue hue due to a genetic anomaly.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
