Lobster (Kikat)

Buy Fresh Lobster (Kikat) Online in Karachi

Buy fresh Lobster (Kikat) full size online in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad & across Pakistan with reliable seafood home delivery. At Gwadar Seafood, our Lobster are sourced fresh, hygienically handled, and delivered without chemical treatment or long-term freezing.

Introduction

The Spiny Lobster, locally known as Kikat (کیکٹ) in Pakistan, is a premium crustacean known for its clawless body, long spiny antennae, and firm, sweet meat. Unlike true lobsters, it does not have large claws — instead, it offers more tail meat, which is the most valued part.

Found primarily in the Arabian Sea, the Spiny Lobster is particularly abundant along the coasts of Karachi and Balochistan, where it inhabits rocky reefs and sandy substrates. This lobster species is known for its vibrant shell, which can range from yellowish-brown to dark blue, and its distinct spines along its back. The Kikat Lobster is highly sought after for its flavorful and sweet meat, which is prized in various gourmet recipes across the world.

Habitat, Diet & Growth

Habitat:
Spiny Lobsters live in rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and coastal waters (5–60 meters depth). They hide in crevices during the day and are active at night. Common along Karachi, Gwadar, and Balochistan coasts.

Diet:
They are omnivorous bottom feeders, eating:

• Small fish
• Mollusks
• Crustaceans
• Organic matter

This diet contributes to their naturally sweet and rich meat.

Growth:

• Lobsters have a slow growth rate, taking 5 to 7 years to reach maturity in optimal conditions.

• Spiny Lobsters grow by 5–10 cm per year, depending on the availability of food and environmental conditions.

• They typically breed once they reach sexual maturity, with females releasing hundreds of thousands of eggs that hatch into larvae and drift in the water column until they settle on the seafloor.

Spawning & Conservation

Spiny Lobsters reproduce in warm seasons, releasing eggs that develop into larvae before settling on the seabed.

• Slow growth makes them sensitive to overfishing
• Sustainable methods like size limits and seasonal control are important

Names & Taxonomy

The Spiny Lobster belongs to the Palinuridae family, which is characterized by long antennae and spiny exoskeletons. Unlike true lobsters, Spiny Lobsters do not have large claws, but instead have long, sharp spines covering their bodies, giving them a distinct appearance and offering protection against predators. Their smooth bodies and robust limbs make them effective at navigating through rocky crevices and hiding from potential threats.

Sourcing & Catching Method

Our lobsters are wild-caught from Karachi and Balochistan waters using:

• Traps
• Gillnets
• Hand-catching

These methods ensure:

• Better freshness
• Lower bycatch
• Sustainable harvesting

Each lobster is cleaned and processed same-day for maximum quality.

Physical Traits & Texture

• Shell Color: The Spiny Lobster typically has a yellow-brown shell with various darker markings and a smooth, spiny appearance.

• Antennae: They are equipped with long, spiny antennae, which are used to detect prey and navigate through their environment.

• Body Structure: The lobster’s body is long, flattened, and covered in spines, providing protection against predators.

• Meat Texture: The meat is sweet, succulent, and firm, with a slightly buttery texture. It is often described as delicate, yet flavorful.

• Size: Spiny Lobsters typically grow to 15–25 cm in length, but larger specimens can reach 50 cm.

Key advantage: More tail meat yield compared to clawed lobsters.

Size Options

Typically available sizes,  100 – 700 g per piece, depending on your selected size. Additionally, these different sizes come with a different price tag.

Cutting Options & Yields

Cooking Ideas

• Grilled Lobster: Garlic butter + lemon
• Lobster Curry: Tomato, spices, coconut base
• Lobster Bisque: Creamy, rich soup
• Lobster Pasta: Garlic butter or white sauce
• Lobster Salad: Light and fresh option

Tips for Selecting Fresh Lobster (Kikat)

• Hard shell with no cracks
• Long, intact antennae
• Clean ocean smell (not fishy)
• Active if alive

Storage Tips for Fresh Lobster

• Refrigeration: 0–4°C, use within 1–2 days
• Freezing: Airtight storage for up to 1–2 months
• Avoid repeated thawing

Nutrition Highlights (Approx. per 100g)

Key Benefits:

• High protein
• Low fat
• Supports muscle and heart health

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