Many people wonder if blue lobsters are real, often seeing them as mythical creatures. These crustaceans are indeed a natural phenomenon, not an artificial creation. Their existence highlights the diversity within marine life, captivating both scientists and the public.
The Reality of Blue Lobsters
Blue lobsters are not a separate species but a color variation of common lobster species, such as the American lobster (Homarus americanus) and the European lobster (Homarus gammarus). The American lobster is found along the North Atlantic coast, from Labrador to North Carolina, while the European lobster inhabits waters around Europe. Their shells exhibit blue hues, from deep sapphire to light sky-blue, standing out against the typical greenish-brown or reddish-brown shells of their counterparts. This coloration results from a genetic anomaly within existing lobster populations.
The Science Behind the Blue Hue
The blue color in these lobsters stems from a genetic mutation that affects protein production. This mutation leads to an overabundance of a protein called crustacyanin within the lobster’s shell. Lobsters obtain a red carotenoid pigment called astaxanthin from their diet, which includes sources like algae and small crustaceans. In normal lobsters, astaxanthin binds with various proteins in different configurations, resulting in the typical mottled brownish-green camouflage.
In blue lobsters, the excessive amount of crustacyanin protein binds with the astaxanthin pigment in a unique way. This binding alters the pigment’s light absorption properties, causing it to reflect blue light rather than the usual reddish or brownish tones. When a blue lobster is cooked, the heat denatures the crustacyanin protein, releasing the astaxanthin pigment, which then reverts to its stable orange-red state, explaining why all lobsters turn red when boiled.
Rarity and Sightings
The occurrence of blue lobsters is rare, with estimates suggesting approximately one in every two million lobsters exhibits this coloration. Despite this low probability, fishermen occasionally discover these crustaceans in their traps. Such finds often generate interest and are reported due to their unusual appearance.
Instead of being sold for consumption, these rare specimens are frequently donated to aquariums and marine science centers. Facilities like the New England Aquarium display blue lobsters, using them as educational tools to highlight genetic diversity and marine biology. While their striking color makes them highly visible, their biology and behavior are otherwise identical to common counterparts.