He said a lobster's age can be worked out from how much it weighs, with each pound (453.6 grams) counting for 7 to 10 years.

Mr Valenti said it was not uncommon for lobsters to live for more than 100 years but it was rare for them to be caught because they were generally too big for the baskets.

The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said it found out that the old lobster was in the restaurant's tank when a diner called them.

"We applaud the folks at City Crab and Seafood for their compassionate decision to allow this noble old-timer to live out his days in freedom and peace," said PETA's Ingrid Newkirk.

Do old lobsters get crabby? (Sorry; couldn't resist!)