Picture this: you’ve been pulling lobster traps for twenty years, same routine every day. Brown lobsters, green lobsters, the occasional red one that’s already cooked from the sun. Then suddenly, you haul up what looks like a neon sign from the ocean floor. That’s exactly what happened to Brad Myslinski, and it changed his ordinary Tuesday into a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Most of us will never experience finding something so rare that scientists have to double-check their math. But for this Massachusetts fisherman, that day arrived when he discovered an electric blue lobster glowing like a sapphire among the usual brown catch.
When Nature Plays the Ultimate Lottery
Brad Myslinski was working his usual fishing grounds off Salem in July 2025, aboard his boat the Sophia & Emma. The season had been typical – wire traps coming up with the familiar mottled brown-green American lobsters that have paid his bills for years.
Then one trap changed everything. Inside sat a lobster so brilliantly blue it looked fake, like someone had dunked it in electric paint.
“When I first saw it, I thought someone was playing a joke on me,” Myslinski later told marine science staff. “I’ve been fishing these waters for decades and never seen anything like it.”
The electric blue lobster represents one of nature’s most incredible genetic anomalies. Scientists at Northeastern University Marine Science Center estimate that only one American lobster in two million displays this vivid blue coloration. But here’s where it gets even crazier – the odds of a fisherman actually catching one of these rare creatures jumps to about one in 200 million.
To put that in perspective, you’re more likely to be struck by lightning twice or become a movie star than pull up an electric blue lobster in your trap.
The Science Behind the Electric Blue Mystery
What makes these lobsters glow like underwater jewels? The answer lies in a genetic quirk that affects how their bodies process proteins.
Normal lobsters produce a mix of pigments that create their typical brownish coloration. But electric blue lobsters have a genetic mutation that causes them to overproduce a protein called crustacyanin. This protein binds with astaxanthin, a red pigment, creating that stunning electric blue appearance.
“Think of it like nature’s version of mixing paint colors,” explains Dr. Sarah Chen, a marine biologist who wasn’t involved with this particular discovery. “When the genetic recipe gets altered, you get these spectacular results.”
| Lobster Color Variation | Estimated Frequency | Catch Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Normal brown/green | Standard | Every day |
| Electric blue | 1 in 2 million | 1 in 200 million |
| Bright red (alive) | 1 in 10 million | Even rarer |
| Yellow/orange | 1 in 30 million | Extremely rare |
The rarity extends beyond just genetics. These lobsters need to survive predation, disease, and fishing pressure long enough to be caught. Their bright coloration actually makes them more visible to predators, which means most blue lobsters probably don’t live long enough to end up in traps.
From Dinner Plate to Science Star
Here’s where Myslinski’s story gets even better. Instead of selling his electric blue lobster to the highest bidder or keeping it as a trophy, he made a different choice.
Within hours of the catch, Myslinski contacted a local science teacher who immediately recognized the significance of the find. Together, they arranged for the lobster to be transported to Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant, Massachusetts.
The lobster, now named Neptune by local high school students, has become a star attraction in the center’s educational programs. Children press their faces against the touch tank glass, amazed by the creature’s electric blue glow.
“Neptune has already taught more kids about marine biology in one month than most textbooks do in a year,” says Maria Rodriguez, an education coordinator at the center. “When children see something this extraordinary, they start asking questions about genetics, ocean life, and conservation.”
The decision to donate Neptune reflects a growing trend among fishermen who understand the educational value of rare catches. Rather than viewing unusual specimens purely as commodities, many are choosing to contribute to scientific understanding and public education.
What This Means for Ocean Conservation
Neptune’s discovery highlights several important issues facing our oceans today. First, it demonstrates that healthy marine ecosystems can still produce these genetic rarities – a positive sign for overall ocean health in Massachusetts waters.
However, climate change and overfishing threaten to disrupt the delicate balance that allows such diversity to exist. Warmer water temperatures are already pushing lobster populations northward, potentially affecting breeding patterns and genetic diversity.
“Every time we lose a fishing ground or see populations decline, we lose potential genetic diversity,” warns Dr. James Mitchell, a marine conservation specialist. “Finds like Neptune remind us what we stand to lose if we don’t protect these ecosystems.”
The story also showcases the importance of fishermen as citizen scientists. Commercial fishermen spend more time on the water than most researchers, making them invaluable partners in discovering and documenting marine rarities.
Educational institutions across New England are now developing programs to encourage fishermen to report unusual catches instead of simply selling them. These partnerships have led to discoveries of rare species, tracking of invasive organisms, and better understanding of how ocean conditions are changing.
For tourists and marine life enthusiasts, Neptune’s presence at the Marine Science Center offers a rare opportunity to see something truly extraordinary. The center reports increased visitor numbers since Neptune’s arrival, with many families specifically making trips to see the electric blue lobster.
FAQs
How long will Neptune live in captivity?
American lobsters can live 50-100 years in the wild, and Neptune should thrive in the marine center’s carefully maintained environment for decades.
Are blue lobsters safe to eat?
Yes, electric blue lobsters are perfectly safe to eat and taste exactly like regular lobsters, though most people choose to preserve them due to their rarity.
Can blue lobsters reproduce and pass on their color?
The blue coloration is caused by a recessive genetic trait, so blue lobsters can reproduce, but their offspring will likely be normal-colored unless both parents carry the gene.
Have other rare colored lobsters been found recently?
Yes, fishermen occasionally find yellow, orange, or even split-colored lobsters, though electric blue remains among the rarest variations.
Where can people see Neptune?
Neptune is currently on display at the Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant, Massachusetts, as part of their public education programs.
What should fishermen do if they catch a rare lobster?
Contact local marine science centers or universities immediately – many institutions will compensate fishermen for donating rare specimens to education and research programs.
