10 Fun Facts About Blue Lobster

Jun 18
2 min read

Updated: Jun 25

When you picture a lobster, you probably imagine a dark reddish-brown shell, but nature occasionally throws a curveball. Here is the blue lobster: a dazzling, electric-blue crustacean so rare that its odds of existing are just 1 in 2 million! These vibrant creatures have fascinated scientists, fishermen, and animal lovers alike, not just for their color but for the incredible science behind their appearance.

In this post, we’ll uncover 10 fun and surprising facts about blue lobsters, from what causes their unusual hue to how they’ve become aquarium celebrities.

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Blue Lobster Fun Facts

Extremely Rare Appearance

Blue lobsters result from a genetic mutation causing excess protein (crustacyanin, which binds with a carotenoid pigment) that turns their shells bright blue. Their odds of occurring are estimated at around 1 in 2 million.

Not the Rarest Color Variant

While blue lobsters are rare, there are even rarer color variations:

Yellow/orange: 1 in 30 million
Split-colored: 1 in 50 million
Albino (“crystal”): 1 in 100 million

Color Changes When Cooked

Like all crustaceans, blue lobsters turn vivid red once cooked. Heat breaks down crustacyanin, revealing the red pigment underneath.

Equally Edible

They taste just like regular lobsters. The flavor isn’t affected by their color, though many are spared from being harvested and instead donated to aquariums.

Vulnerability in the Wild

Their bright blue shell makes them more visible to predators, reducing camouflage. This advantage often makes them more likely to be spotted by fishermen or eaten in nature.

One blue lobster in many regular lobsters (image from Unsplash)

Found Across Atlantic Waters

Blue lobsters have been caught in both North America and Europe, especially off the coasts of New England, Canada, and the British Isles.

Aquarium Stars & Good Luck Charms

Their stunning color makes them prized in aquariums. Stories like Clawde the blue lobster, rescued from a Red Lobster restaurant and now residing at the Akron Zoo, highlight their special status.

Common Lobster Biology

Despite their color, blue lobsters behave like any other. They have 10 limbs, are nocturnal scavengers, can regenerate lost limbs, and grow by molting.

Blue Lobster Shells Can Eclipse to Black When Molting

Before a blue lobster’s new shell fully hardens, it often appears black rather than blue. As the shell cures and proteins bond with pigments, the iconic blue color gradually emerges. This fascinating transformation highlights the dynamic nature of their coloring process.