What is a Blue Lobster? A Rare and Stunning Sight from the Sea

Imagine pulling up a lobster trap from the ocean depths and finding a brilliant sapphire blue crustacean inside This is the incredibly rare sight of a blue lobster, a unique genetic variation of the common lobster

Blue lobsters have captured people’s imagination for decades with their bright tropical coloring and ultra-rare occurrence. Let’s dive into everything there is to know about these elusive animals of the sea.

Overview of Blue Lobsters

While most lobsters are reddish brown or greenish black in color, genetic anomalies can cause them to take on unusual hues like yellow, calico, albino white, and bright blue

Vibrant blue lobsters are the most stunning of these color variations. Their vivid tone stands out vividly compared to typical lobster shades.

These unique lobsters are not a different species, just a variation of the American lobster or European lobster. Their coloring comes from a genetic defect that causes them to overproduce a certain protein.

Only about 1 in 2 million lobsters are blue, making them incredibly rare finds for lobstermen. Their rarity adds to the allure and fascination surrounding blue lobsters.

What Causes the Blue Coloring?

So what causes lobsters like the famed Clawde found in an Ohio Red Lobster to turn a tropical tone of blue?

It comes down to a genetic mutation that results in the overproduction of a special protein called crustacyanin. This protein gives lobsters their typical coloration.

An excess amount of crustacyanin gives blue lobsters their bright azure tone. This is similar to the protein that gives blue crabs their color.

The genetic defect that leads to extra crustacyanin is extremely uncommon. Experts estimate the chances of a lobster having this mutation at only 1 in 2 million.

Some speculate the odds could be around 1 in 400,000, but it remains highly debatable. Either way, it’s remarkably rare.

Where Blue Lobsters Are Found

While anyone can potentially find a blue lobster, they tend to turn up most often in the north Atlantic waters of the United States and Canada.

This is where the American lobster is most prevalent, especially off the coast of New England and maritime Canada.

Blue European lobsters can also appear in the British Isles and other parts of the eastern Atlantic Ocean.

Lobstermen catching regular hauls of lobster in these northern waters have the best chances of landing a rare blue. But they’ve been found all over the world.

Behavior and Biology

Aside from their standout color, blue lobsters behave like normal lobsters in every way. They eat the same diet of mussels, clams, crabs, and seaweed.

Their blue shell doesn’t appear to affect their behavior. Though some speculate it could make them more visible to predators.

Like all lobsters, they have long antennae to feel their surroundings and 5 pairs of legs. The front pair features pincers for catching prey and defending themselves.

Blue female lobsters carry and hatch eggs just like regular lobsters. The larvae molt and change shells as they grow.

These lobsters can live 50 years or more if not caught. Those in captivity may live even longer.

Additional Rare Lobster Colors and Odds

Think blue lobsters sound cool? There are even more incredibly rare lobster color variations that show up once in a blue moon:

• Yellow: 1 in 30 million chance

• Albino: 1 in 100 million chance

• Calico: 1 in 30 million chance

• Two-toned “Halloween”: 1 in 50 million chance

• Red before cooking: 1 in 10 million chance

Lobsters this rare seldom make it to a dinner plate. Most are donated to aquariums and science.

Reactions to Finding a Blue Lobster

Pulling up a bright blue lobster is likely a shock for any lobsterman. Most have hauled traps their whole careers without seeing one.

While their rarity makes blue lobsters valuable at market, many lobstermen feel compelled to donate them to aquariums. This helps conserve the rare creatures.

Restaurants like Red Lobster have also opted to send blue lobsters to zoo displays rather than cooking them when found in shipments. Their one-of-a-kind appearance seems too special to eat.

Monetary Value and Rarity

It’s hard to pin an exact dollar figure on blue lobsters. Their worth comes mostly from their extreme rarity rather than size, meat or taste.

Some estimate blue lobster meat can fetch up to $500 per pound. Lower end estimates are around $50 per pound wholesale.

Regardless of exact price, these special lobsters command value well above average lobsters, which sell for around $10 per pound wholesale.

Taste and Flavor

Is there any truth to claims that blue lobsters taste better than regular ones? In a word, no.

There is no scientific evidence their blue color impacts the meat’s flavor at all. They simply taste like normal lobsters.

Yet the myth persists they are sweeter. This is likely because their rarity allows sellers to command higher menu prices, lending them an air of indulgence.

In the end, blue and regular lobster meat cook up and taste virtually identical. The allure is their dazzling sapphire shell.

Preparing a Blue Lobster Meal

You may never cook a blue lobster feast. But if you did get the chance, prepare it just like any live lobster:

• Store in a damp bag in the fridge until ready to cook.

• Boil or steam the lobster for 7-9 minutes until the shell turns bright red.

• Twist and crack the tail to remove meat.

• Use lobster crackers to open the claws and legs.

• Serve lobster meat warm alongside melted butter.

Take your time breaking into the shell to savor the moment with this ultra-rare entree.

Conservation of Rare Colored Lobsters

The scarcity of blue lobsters and other unusually hued crustaceans has made conservation more top of mind in recent years.

Organizations like the Lobster Institute recommend swiftly returning vibrant lobsters to the ocean. This gives them a chance to continue reproducing.

Contacting aquariums to give blue lobsters a permanent home is another great way to preserve rare specimens if caught.

The Fascinating Story of Clawde the Blue Lobster

No story illustrates an unlikely blue lobster journey better than Clawde. This famous blue crustacean was discovered in a Red Lobster tank in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio in June 2020.

Workers at the chain restaurant were shocked to find the one-in-two-million lobster in a shipment. Instead of cooking it up, Red Lobster safely removed Clawde and donated him to the Akron Zoo.

There, aquarium staff carefully monitored and studied Clawde as he acclimated to captivity. His brilliant blue shell fascinated visitors.

Clawde’s story shows how, with some luck, even restaurant lobsters can sometimes become part of research and education to preserve rare animals.

Seeing a Blue Lobster Up Close

Getting a glimpse of a blue lobster up close is an unforgettable privilege. The best chances come from making special visits to zoo aquariums where they reside.

The New England Aquarium and Seattle Aquarium have been home to blue lobsters in recent years if you’re hoping for a sighting.

Catching your own may be nearly impossible. But checking out blue lobsters at facilities that protect these creatures can still make for an amazing encounter. The vibrant hue just glows through the tank glass.

A Truly One in a Million Marine Marvel

From its astounding rarity to its brilliant blue color, the blue lobster is a genuine wonder of the sea. This unique take on the traditional lobster continues to fascinate and inspire awe in all who are lucky enough to find or even glimpse one.

Seeing an aquarium blue lobster up close provides a taste of just how incredible these elite marine creatures are. Their stunning shade pops against the ordinary green and brown crustaceans.

So while you may never spy one in the wild, the blue lobster remains a legendary symbol of the mysteries and rare gifts the ocean can deliver. A bright blue shining example of the marvels that still lurk in the depths, just waiting to be found.