Experts say this orange lobster with one claw is an extraordinary discovery, with odds of “one-in-30 million”.

Researchers at the University of New England have welcomed a rare addition to their collection of crustaceans – an orange lobster. This vibrant lobster is a one-in-30 million find, making it a truly special discovery.

The orange lobster was caught in Casco Bay, Maine on Friday by Capt. Gregg Turner and his crew, Sage Blake and Mandy Cyr. Cyr shared the find on Instagram, stating that the captain had only seen two in his lifetime, and no one believed him the first time.

Lobsters are typically dull when alive and only develop their bright red color after cooking. Genetic factors and environmental influences contribute to the unique shell colors of multicolored lobsters. According to Markus Frederich, a Professor of Marine Sciences at the University of New England, rare mutations that affect specific genes can result in different colors.

Researchers at the university are also interested in studying whether the lobster’s coloration is influenced by its environment or diet. Charles Tilburg, the director of the Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center, posed the question of whether the lobster will maintain its current color through molts or if it will change with new environmental conditions.

The orange lobster offers an exciting opportunity for academics and students to observe and study the process of claw regrowth in real-time. Alan Bennett, a public relations strategist at the university, explained that the lobster is not only rare in its coloration but also missing a claw. This allows researchers to observe how the claw regenerates over time.

Lobsters molt to grow, shedding their old shells and absorbing water to expand their body size. The lobster in question will begin regrowing its missing claw before the next molt, although it will take several molts to fully regenerate a proportional claw.

The lobster has been transported to the Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center and will be closely observed and cared for by the students and staff. This is not the first rare lobster to be donated to the university, as they previously received a Calico lobster named Sprinkles. The university is home to various other rare lobsters, including a blue lobster named Blueberry, a split lobster named Banana Split, and a yellow lobster named Banana.

In other instances, Red Lobster employees in Florida rescued an orange lobster named Cheddar, which was later given a new home at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. Another orange lobster was discovered at a supermarket in Massachusetts in 2018. These rare lobster finds continue to captivate and intrigue researchers and the public alike.