– Rare colored lobsters like blue, orange, calico, etc. have been found more frequently in recent years, raising questions about how rare they truly are.
– Their color can be caused by genetic mutations or diet, but there is no definitive data on frequency. Estimates of 1 in 30 million for orange lobsters are cited but may not be accurate.
– Scientists at the University of Maine are studying the DNA of rare lobsters to better understand the genetics behind their color variations. One lobster they have, Tamarind, is half typical color and half orange.
– Even with hundreds of millions of lobsters caught annually, rare colored lobsters will likely still appear occasionally. But without comprehensive tracking, their true frequencies remain uncertain.
– The scientists aim to quantify lobster color variations through genetic analysis rather than relying on anecdotal accounts and fishermen reports. This could provide more clarity around how unusual different color lobsters actually are.
Source: AP NEWS
