A rare “ghost” lobster, dubbed Casper, has found a new home at the University of New England’s Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center just in time for Halloween. This extraordinary white lobster, with odds of being found at 1 in 100 million, was donated by the Maine State Aquarium in Boothbay.
Casper will contribute to pioneering research into the genetic causes behind rare lobster coloration. The center aims to study lobster DNA without harm, exploring variations that lead to unusual colors—including orange, blue, yellow, and calico—while focusing on the molecular mechanisms influencing these variations.
This research initiative, managed by Dr. Markus Frederich, builds on previous discoveries about coloration inheritance, particularly following the successful breeding of another rare lobster named Peaches, who produced offspring in various colors.
Casper’s genetic insights could deepen our understanding of lobster biology, illustrating the captivating interplay between genetics and color in marine life.
