UK Seas

Discover the wonderful sea creatures that inhabit the UK seas and shores

UK seas is a guide to the fauna and flora found around UK coasts. While the majority of species are marine, some species are included that are regularly encountered on land by the coast, so you’ll find descriptions of non-marine species such as reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants as well.

Common lobster

Homarus gammarus

Type

Crustaceans, Lobsters

Description

Beautiful blue (never pink!), with long red antennae and pale yellow markings.

The two powerful claws are very different in shape and size - lobsters can be right or left “handed”.

Location

Can be a lucky spot at a very low tide, more active in darkness than daylight. Hides out in crevices during the day.

Habitat

Rocky shore, Lower shore, Subtidal, Seabed, Rock pools