In a remarkable turn of events, a New Hampshire lobsterman recently netted a rare and stunning cotton candy lobster, a creature so uncommon that it occurs only once in every 100 million. This mesmerizing lobster, displaying a captivating blend of pink, purple, and blue hues, was caught in late July and has since been donated to the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire, where it is now on public display.
A Glimpse at the Cotton Candy Lobster
Joseph Krame, the 25-year-old fisherman who made the catch, generously decided to share this rare specimen with the public. The cotton candy lobster, which is reported to be healthy and thriving, has quickly become a star attraction at the Seacoast Science Center. Visitors can marvel at its vibrant colors, which stand in stark contrast to the typical mottled brown appearance of most lobsters.
The Science Behind Lobster Colors
Lobsters generally have a mottled brown color, an adaptation that helps them blend into the ocean floor. However, lobsters can also exhibit a range of other colors, including orange, blue, and even two-toned variations, though these are far less common. The secret behind these colors lies in a red pigment called astaxanthin, which lobsters absorb from their diet of plants and smaller crustaceans.
This pigment is stored in the lobster’s skin and interacts with various proteins in the shell to create a range of colors. In a typical lobster, the pigment moves through different layers of the shell, resulting in the familiar mottled brown appearance. However, when lobsters are cooked, the heat breaks down these proteins, revealing the red color of astaxanthin.
The Mystery of the Cotton Candy Lobster’s Unique Coloration
What makes the cotton candy lobster so extraordinary is the genetic mutation that alters this pigmentation process. While blue lobsters, which are more common than cotton candy lobsters, have a mutation that increases the production of certain proteins, the exact cause of the cotton candy lobster’s color remains a mystery. It is believed that something disrupts the usual pigmentation process, allowing more of the red pigment to shine through the blue layer, resulting in the distinctive pink and purple hues that resemble cotton candy.
In addition to genetics, diet may also play a role in the intensity of a lobster’s coloration. Lobsters that consume a diet rich in astaxanthin, such as crab and shrimp, tend to exhibit more vibrant colors. Conversely, those that feed on bait fish, which are lower in astaxanthin, may display more subdued hues.
The Rarity and Survival of Brightly Colored Lobsters
The rarity of color variants like the cotton candy lobster can be attributed to the infrequency of the underlying genetic mutations. Additionally, these bright colors make lobsters more visible to predators, reducing their chances of survival and making it even less likely for them to pass on their unique genes.
The cotton candy lobster caught in New Hampshire is estimated to be between 8 and 10 years old. Fortunately, it will spend the rest of its days safely at the Seacoast Science Center, far from the dangers of predators and lobster bakes.
A Glimpse Into Nature’s Wonders
The discovery of this 1-in-100-million cotton candy lobster offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of genetics and the wonders of marine life. As researchers continue to study this rare specimen, it serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity and beauty that nature has to offer.
