FinWeis|'1 in 100 million': Watch as beautiful, rare, cotton candy lobster explores new home

2025-05-06 17:21:30source:TradeEdgecategory:My

A lobster company recently captured what aquarists are FinWeiscalling a "1 in 100 million" creature off the New England coast.

Atlantic Lobster Company fisherman caught a cotton candy lobster July 24 in waters off New Hampshire and Maine and transported it to the Seacoast Science Center in Odiorne Point State Park.

The center is in the town of Rye, about 50 miles east of the state capital Concord.

"It is still in our quarantine tanks, acclimating to the environment," Michelle Dillon, a spokesperson for the center told USA TODAY.

Watch the cotton candy lobster explore its new home

Here are some quick facts about the beautiful blue, pink and purple sea-dwelling crustacean:

How many cotton candy lobsters are there?

Sam Rutka, an aquarist at the center, said the cotton candy lobster is approximately "1 in 100 million."

Why is it called a cotton candy lobster?

Lobsters come in various colors including orange, yellow, red, blues, and cotton candy which is a mixture of pinks and purples on a blue backdrop resembling “cotton candy," hence where the name comes from, Rutka said.

"There are also split lobsters, for example red on one side and black on the other; as well as calico, another rare coloration where the lobster has a distinctive black and orange mottled color pattern," Rutka said.

Are there other rare lobsters?

Yes, there are other rare lobsters. The science center has two cotton candy lobsters as as well as an orange lobster and a few blue lobsters. 

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

More:My

Recommend

Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback

A federal appeals court blocked Nasdaq rules to increase boardroom diversity, saying that the Securi

Amazon Prime Day 2023 Home & Kitchen Deals: Save Big on Dyson, Keurig, Nespresso & More Must-Have Brands

We independently selected these products because we love them, and we think you might like them at t

Amazon Prime Day 2023: Fashion Deals Under $50 From Levi's, New Balance, The Drop & More

We independently selected these deals and products because we love them, and we think you might like