A female lobster is called a hen. This term is used to distinguish female lobsters from male lobsters, which are simply referred to as cocks or males.
Female lobsters can be identified by the presence of small, soft swimmerets on the underside of their tails. These swimmerets are used to carry eggs during the breeding season. Additionally, the tail of a female lobster is generally wider than that of a male, which helps in protecting the eggs.
Understanding the difference between male and female lobsters is important for both fishermen and marine biologists, as it helps in managing lobster populations and ensuring sustainable fishing practices.