Blue lobsters stand out with their striking coloration. Their vibrant hue sets them apart from the more common brownish-green lobsters typically found. Their unusual appearance sparks questions about their origin and prevalence.
The Science Behind Their Color
The distinctive blue color of these lobsters results from a specific biological mechanism involving a genetic mutation. This mutation leads to an overproduction of a protein called crustacyanin. Normally, lobsters possess a mix of various pigment proteins, including red, yellow, and blue, which combine to produce their typical mottled green-brown camouflage.
Crustacyanin interacts with a red carotenoid pigment called astaxanthin, which lobsters obtain from their diet. When astaxanthin binds with the abundant crustacyanin protein, it undergoes a change in its light absorption properties, resulting in the brilliant blue coloration. This explains why, when a blue lobster is cooked, the heat denatures the protein, releasing the astaxanthin, and the shell turns the familiar orange-red.
Quantifying Their Rarity
The rarity of blue lobsters is frequently cited, with estimates often placing the odds at approximately one in two million. This figure, provided by institutions such as the Lobster Institute at the University of Maine. While this statistic is widely used, some experts suggest the actual probability could range from as low as one in a few hundred thousand to as high as one in three or four million.
Despite these low odds, blue lobsters are caught by fishermen each year, with numerous instances reported across different regions. Other unusual lobster colors, such as yellow or calico (one in 30 million), red (one in 10 million), and albino (one in 100 million), are considered even rarer than blue.
Why Blue Lobsters Are Caught
The vivid blue coloration of these lobsters, while visually stunning to humans, does not offer a survival advantage in their natural habitat. In fact, their bright hue makes them more conspicuous to predators in the ocean. The typical brownish-green shell of most lobsters provides effective camouflage against the dark, rocky ocean floor, helping them blend in with their surroundings.
This increased visibility also extends to human activity, making blue lobsters easier for fishermen to spot in their traps. Due to their unique appearance, many fishermen and seafood markets choose to spare these rare catches from consumption. Instead, blue lobsters are often donated to aquariums or marine research centers, where they can live out their lives in protected environments and be showcased to the public.