Meet Casper, the 1-in-100-Million Ghost Lobster Now Studying at a Maine University

A lobster so rare that scientists estimate the odds of finding one at 1 in 100 million just got a new home at the University of New England’s Marine Science Center. The white crustacean, named Casper, was donated by the Maine State Aquarium in Boothbay, and he’s joining a first-of-its-kind study into the genetics behind rare lobster coloration.

Led by professor Markus Frederich, the research team uses noninvasive DNA sampling to study more than 15,000 genes without harming the lobsters. Casper joins a colorful crew that has included orange, blue, yellow, purple, calico, and even split-colored lobsters, building on earlier work with an orange lobster named Peaches whose offspring showed a surprising range of colors. According to Frederich, rare animals like Casper give researchers an incredible chance to ask fundamental biological questions.

The timing could not be better. Casper arrived just before Halloween, so yes, a real ghost lobster is spending spooky season in a research lab. It’s a rare-animal story with actual substance behind it, and it’s all happening right here in Maine. Would you donate a once-in-a-lifetime find to science, or would you keep it? Let us know in the comments.