Rare Blue Lobster Found in Maryland Waters Goes on Exhibit at National Aquarium

Just in time for Independence Day, Toby, the rare blue lobster found off the coast of Maryland last month, will go on exhibit at National Aquarium in Washington, D.C. today. Toby’s particular blue hue is said to be a 1-in-2-million exception to the reddish-brown shade of most lobsters. This unique color is a genetic variation that is caused by the lobster producing an excessive amount of a particular protein.

John Gourley and his team aboard the fishing boat, the Pot Luck, caught Toby off the coast of Maryland near Ocean City in June. The lobster had been staying in Martin’s Fish Co.’s lobster tank prior to being donated to the National Aquarium on June 19. Toby was not immediately placed on exhibit due to standard precautionary measures regarding the safety of a new species. Today, Toby will be placed in the recently renovated Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuaries exhibit, which currently houses three black sea bass and one tautog.

“We are always excited to be able to share new animals with our guests, but this lobster is particularly special,” said Bob Ramin, Chief Development Officer of National Aquarium and Executive Director of National Aquarium, Washington, DC. “Toby will be the perfect addition to our National Aquarium family.”