Rare 1-in-30-Million Halloween Lobster Caught Off Plum Island

calico-lobster-daves-fish-market-photo-adamfuller

Photo courtesy of Dave’s Fish Market by Adam Fuller.

Just in time for the spooky season, a dazzling, ultra-rare female calico lobster was hauled from the waters off the coast of Massachusetts near Plum Island on October 30, 2026. Instead of wearing the traditional drab mottled brown shell that helps normal crustaceans blend seamlessly into their favored rocky ocean bottom habitat, this fashionable crustacean sported a vibrant, dappled orange-and-black speckled look, just the right style for a Halloween “shellabration.”

According to the original report by WCVB Channel 5 Boston, marine experts evaluate the odds of finding a calico-patterned lobster with this specific genetic pigment mutation at an astonishing 1 in 30 million. According to a breakdown by Smithsonian Magazine, this striking look is caused by a rare genetic glitch that mixes up the lobster’s natural colors… While all lobsters actually start out with a bright orange color inside their shells, it normally mixes with internal proteins to turn them into a camouflaged, muddy brown. In a calico lobster, a genetic mix-up blocks this process in random spots. The result is a colorful patchwork, where the lobster’s natural, fiery orange shines right next to dark, speckled freckles.

After being caught, the calico creature was delivered to David’s Fish Market in Salisbury, MA. While some uniquely colored lobsters ultimately find their way to aquariums or marine research facilities, this special creature has apparently received special dispensation. It was purchased by a local customer with the noble intent of returning it to the ocean. The purchase was made before photos of the unique marine crustacean were later posted online. At this point, the creature’s whereabouts are a mystery – which is sure to be a big relief for one very unique and lucky lobster.

Written by Tom Schlichter