This exceptionally rare Maine lobster is capturing widespread attention, as black takes center stage in the world of lobsters, outshining the traditional orange hue.
A fisherman has etched his name into lobster lore by capturing a uniquely calico-colored crustacean off the coast of Maine last Friday, as reported by CNN. Resembling Two-Face from Batman with its bifurcated black and orange halves, the distinctive Halloween hue of this two-toned creature is attributed to a genetic aberration, as confirmed by scientists.
But before you rush to retrieve your lobster trap, keep in mind that the chances of snagging one of these unique specimens are slim – just one in 50 million, akin to winning a Megabucks jackpot.
Captain Daryl Dunham, the skilled fisherman who hauled in this dual-colored sea denizen near some islands southwest of Bar Harbor, generously donated it to the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries. The organization recently shared a photo of Dunham with the critter on its Facebook page, noting, “We’ve encountered some pretty remarkable lobsters in our marine touch tank over the years, but this one might just be a first!”
The center invited those curious about the cray to visit the Discovery Wharf to “learn all about Maine’s iconic lobster fishery” and the “unique lobster.”
The post sparked a flurry of reactions, with one commenter remarking, “it looks half-cooked!”
The bi-colored lobster shares a “touch tank” with three other pigment-anomalous animals: two orange “freckled” crustaceans — they’re one in 30 million – and a dark blue variety – one in two million.
However, visitors better hurry if they want a chance to see the starring attraction. The two-toned lobster is slated to be released back into the New England waters where it was found come mid-October, according to Fox News.