A rare cotton candy-colored lobster has been caught off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine by the Atlantic Lobster Company. The unique lobster, which features pink and blue colors resembling cotton candy, has been taken to the Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire. This lobster joins two other similar lobsters at the center, where visitors can marvel at their unusual appearance. Lobsters come in various colors such as orange, yellow, red, blue, and cotton candy, with the latter being a rare combination of pinks and purples on a blue background.
The Seacoast Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to marine science education and conservation of the Blue Planet. Lobsters are commonly found on the east coast of North America, from Newfoundland in Canada to North Carolina, with various color variations such as split lobsters and calico lobsters. However, regardless of their initial color, all lobsters turn red when cooked in hot water, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The cotton candy lobster caught by the Atlantic Lobster Company is a particularly rare find, with odds estimated at 1 in 100 million.
In addition to the cotton candy lobster, two orange-colored lobsters were recently delivered to Red Lobster restaurants in North Carolina and Colorado. Both lobsters were safely transported to local aquariums for display. Orange lobsters acquire their unique color through the pigments they ingest in their diet, making them stand out from typical brown and green lobsters. The orange-colored lobsters are estimated to be 1 in 30 million, making them a rare and intriguing sight for aquarium visitors.
The unique color variations found in lobsters continue to fascinate and captivate marine enthusiasts and scientists alike. The Atlantic Lobster Company, the Seacoast Science Center, and other organizations play a crucial role in educating the public about marine life and promoting conservation efforts to protect these fascinating creatures. With each new discovery, such as the cotton candy lobster and the orange lobsters delivered to Red Lobster restaurants, the wonder and diversity of the natural world are celebrated and embraced by people of all ages. Visitors to these aquariums and conservation centers can witness firsthand the beauty and uniqueness of these rare lobsters.
Through their efforts in research, education, and conservation, organizations like the Seacoast Science Center and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies provide valuable insights into the behavior and characteristics of lobsters and other marine species. By showcasing rare and colorful lobsters like the cotton candy lobster and the orange lobsters, these institutions inspire curiosity, promote understanding, and instill a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. The discovery of these rare lobsters serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity and beauty that exist within our oceans, and the importance of protecting and preserving these precious marine ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.
