A rare pink and white “cotton candy” lobster was recently caught off the coast of Maine, captivating both scientists and seafood lovers. Its pastel, iridescent shell is the result of a genetic mutation that alters pigment distribution, giving it the soft, swirling colors reminiscent of spun sugar. Such lobsters are estimated to occur only once in every 50 million, making them far rarer than the typical blue or even yellow lobsters occasionally found in the wild.
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Fishermen who encounter these unusual crustaceans often consider them living treasures rather than seafood. Many are donated to aquariums or marine research centers, where they can be studied and admired by the public. This discovery also highlights the biodiversity of Maine’s coastal waters and how unique genetic variations can emerge in nature. While its colors may seem almost too beautiful to be real, the “cotton candy” lobster is a living example of nature’s artistry.