Definition

Noun: 1. A large, edible marine crustacean characterized by a hard, spiny shell (carapace) and the absence of the large claws (pincers) found on true lobsters. It is also known as a spiny lobster or langouste. 2. Specifically, warm-water lobsters without claws, often caught in regions like Australia, South Africa, Florida, and California. The tails are frequently marketed as a frozen seafood product.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We grilled fresh rock lobster tails for the beach barbecue.
  • The diver photographed a colorful rock lobster hiding in the coral reef.
  • The menu featured Australian rock lobster as the chef's special.

Advanced Usage

• As a Culinary Term: In the food industry, "rock lobster" often specifically refers to the prepared tail meat of the spiny lobster, which is considered a delicacy.
  • The recipe calls for one pound of peeled rock lobster meat.

Variants and Related Words

• Spiny lobster: The most common synonym and alternative name.
• Langouste: A French term used in culinary contexts for the same animal.
• Crayfish (in some regions): In Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, "crayfish" can refer to the rock lobster, which can cause confusion with the smaller freshwater crustacean known as a crayfish in other English dialects.

Synonyms

• Spiny lobster
• Langouste
• Sea crayfish (regional)

Notes on Different Meanings

• It is critical to distinguish the rock lobster (family Palinuridae) from the true lobster (family Nephropidae, e.g., American or European lobster). The key difference is the absence of large crushing claws in the rock lobster.
• In a musical context, "Rock Lobster" is the title of a famous song by The B-52's, but this is a proper noun and not the definition of the animal itself.

Noun

1. large edible marine crustacean having a spiny carapace but lacking the large pincers of true lobsters
2. warm-water lobsters without claws; those from Australia and South Africa usually marketed as frozen tails; caught also in Florida and California