The European lobster (Homarus gammarus) is a very rare creature hereabouts, but one turned up last Saturday morning on a Hersonissos fishing boat, and has now found a comfortable home at Aquaworld in Hersonissos.

The reason that they are so uncommon - only the second one ever caught by fisherman Nikos after a lifetime of fishing these waters - is that Crete is recognized as the extreme east of their range in the Mediterranean.

Imagine my surprise when there he was on Nikos’ boat, Αγάπη, sitting in a bucket of water and for sale to the first restaurant owner who happened along.

“How much?” I asked in some trepidation.

“Should be 90 euros, but only 80 for you,” came the reply.

 I can’t possibly afford 80€, I thought…but then, again: I can’t possibly leave him here to be thrown in a pot of boiling water!

Thus, Conan the Destroyer, as he was aptly named, came to reside at Aquaworld.

“Why Conan? Ask my wife. She seems to think that it’s rather anti-social to start destroying your new home by rearranging sand, rocks etc as soon as you arrive.

This crustacean is actually quite remarkable. His two main claws are different in size, shape and function; the left one being slimmer with sharp teeth – his scissors – and the other being much more massive and equipped with blunt teeth for crushing shell fish - and misguided fingers!

Also, these lobsters are “self-repairing” as they grow older. A special enzyme fixes any damaged DNA and they seem to become more and more fertile the older they get. Some believe that, if they never meet with an accident or a predator, lobsters might live forever!

Conan’s “at home” every day until the end of October at Aquaworld Aquarium in Hersonissos between 10.00 and 18.00, and feeding time is at 10.30…but keep your fingers in your pocket!