A rare white lobster, aptly named Casper, has found a new home at the University of New England (UNE) in Biddeford, Maine. This unique crustacean, known as a “ghost” lobster, was donated by the Maine State Aquarium in Boothbay and will contribute to cutting-edge research focused on understanding the genetic mechanisms behind uncommon lobster coloration.
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Casper, which boasts a striking white hue, is exceptionally rare. The likelihood of encountering such a lobster is estimated at 1 in 100 million. At UNE, Casper will be part of an exciting research initiative aimed at uncovering the genetic underpinnings responsible for the diverse colour variations seen in lobsters. Among Casper’s new companions are other lobsters with distinct colours, such as an orange lobster named Peaches and a pair sporting blue and purple shells called Currant and Fig.
The research is spearheaded by Dr. Markus Frederich, a professor of marine sciences at UNE. His team is using noninvasive techniques to study over 15,000 genes in order to better understand how lobsters can develop varied shell colours. This approach allows researchers to analyse genetic material without causing harm to the lobsters, ensuring their wellbeing during the study.
Dr. Frederich expressed enthusiasm about the potential insights offered by rare specimens like Casper. “Animals like Casper capture people’s attention because they are so rare and beautiful,” he said. “But, for us, they also provide an amazing opportunity to ask fundamental biological questions.” This research not only raises awareness about these fascinating creatures but also enhances our understanding of genetics in marine life.
The initiative at UNE was launched in 2024 following the arrival of several rare-coloured lobsters, including Peaches, who is estimated to be one of the rare orange variants found in the region, occurring once in approximately 30 million lobsters. Remarkably, Peaches later produced offspring across a spectrum of colours, from brown to orange and blue. This provided researchers with a unique opportunity to investigate how these colour variants may be inherited.
In addition to the genetic analysis, the research team is gathering DNA samples from juvenile lobsters and studying the distinctions associated with shell coloration in order to draw more conclusive findings. This research promises to shed light on the intricate relationship between genetics and colour in lobsters, potentially revealing why certain hues prevail while others remain incredibly rare.
Casper’s donation was facilitated by UNE alum Rue Motulsky, whose contributions to the DNA project during his studies have enriched understanding of lobster coloration and genetics. The arrival of such a rare lobster as Casper is poised to enhance the research team’s efforts and provide a deeper comprehension of the world of marine biology.
This initiative emphasises both the beauty and scientific significance of rare marine specimens. As UNE continues to explore these genetic mysteries, they highlight the importance of conservation and the continued study of our ocean’s biodiversity. Casper’s presence in the laboratory not only serves as an inspiring subject for research but also as a reminder of the uncharted wonders still to be discovered in the animal kingdom.