Rare 'Ghost Lobster' Donated to University of New England for Genetic Research

A remarkably rare, albino lobster, often called a “ghost lobster,” has been donated to the University of New England (UNE) in Biddeford, Maine, for scientific study. Scientists estimate the odds of encountering such a specimen in the wild to be about one in 100 million.

Nicknamed “Casper,” the lobster possesses a white shell adorned with icy blue dots. This unique coloration stems from a deficiency in pigment-producing proteins, a condition that causes albino lobsters to remain white even when cooked, unlike typical lobsters which appear blue before boiling and turn red when cooked.

The Maine State Aquarium provided Casper to UNE, where researchers aim to use him to further their understanding of lobster genetics and pigment variations along the Eastern Seaboard. This specimen joins a collection of other lobsters with unusual shell colors, including orange, blue, yellow, purple, calico, and split-colored variations, housed at the university's research lab.

The study of these uniquely colored crustaceans began in 2024 with the acquisition of an orange lobster named Peaches. Researchers examined the molecular mechanisms of rare color inheritance when Peaches produced offspring with typical reddish-brown coloration. The UNE team has since analyzed over 15,000 genes related to lobster coloration.

Dr. Markus Frederich, a professor of marine science and director of the school’s Invertebrate Physiology Lab, noted that Casper and other rare lobsters capture public attention due to their unusual beauty. However, he emphasized their significant scientific value, stating, “For us, they provide an amazing opportunity to ask fundamental biological questions.” The research is particularly rewarding for the large number of undergraduate students involved in studying the sea creatures.

The university employs non-invasive methods to study the lobsters, ensuring no harm comes to the animals during the research process. Casper's arrival contributes to a series of notable oceanic discoveries, including the finding of 31 new sea creatures during a Brazilian expedition in June.