Meet ‘Esdras,’ the 12-pound lobster that sold in Quebec for $170

Two fishmongers in Mirabel, Que. have created a reputation for selling some gigantic lobsters, including a whopper weighing in at more than 12 pounds.

Their largest came to them Tuesday from the waters off Nova Scotia.

At 12.34 pounds, he’s the largest crustacean they’ve ever encountered. They believe the lobster to be in his 50s.

Denis Fortin and Dary Côté, co-owners of Poissonnerie Les Deux Gaspésiens, named him Esdras after Esdras-Minville high school in Gaspesie, where they both attended.

Enough to feed some 20 people, the lobster was sold for $170.

They had another massive lobster for sale Wednesday, weighing in at 11.5 pounds and about 30 inches long.

They opened the market in Mirabel three months ago and are building a reputation for bringing in the large lobsters.

The big shellfish are popular for making lobster rolls or club sandwiches — as well as other products — but they’re also getting lots of attention online.

A Facebook post of Esdras, held up proudly by Côté’s daughter, garnered more than 600 comments on the market’s page. The online attention has meant more interest in the market.

“People have come to see us to see the aquarium,” said Côté.

“A lot of people came today to take a photo after the newspaper coverage and the social media attention,” added Fortin.