Super Rare Yellow Lobster Named Banana, A One-In-30 Million Catch

• It was named Banana, a perfect name since the crustacean’s color resembles the bright yellow fruit.
• The fisherman donated his unique catch to the University of New England’s Marine Science Center in Biddeford.
• The condition is called leucism, which results in shells that are pale, white, or have patchy discoloration.

It was referred to as a one-in-thirty million chance of it happening – a lobster with a genetic mutation that made it yellow. It was named Banana, a perfect name since the crustacean’s color resembles the bright fruit.

It was Marley Babb, a lobsterman in Tenant Harbor in St. George, Maine, who made the lucky catch. He donated his unique catch to the University of New England’s Marine Science Center in Biddeford.

The lobster’s yellow body is caused by a genetic mutation in the proteins that bond with shell pigments. The condition is called leucism, which results in shells that are pale, white, or have patchy discoloration.

The marine center also cited climate change as the reason behind Banana’s yellow exterior. Because of its lighter color, the lobster’s survival is compromised since it is more visible to predators. Weight-wise, Banana is around a pound to a pound and a half, which is just average for Maine lobsters.

The team at the center says they are caring for Banana and they have no plans on returning the lobster to the wild.

They are also now sharing a grant, which amounts to $860,000, with the Maine Department of Marine Resources and other organizations. This is research on the impact of the warming waters of the Gulf of Maine on lobster larvae and their chances of growing to adulthood.

The University of Maine published studies in 2019 citing that warming ocean waters are contributing to the increase and decrease of lobster populations. The Gulf of Maine only has modestly expanded areas for lobster larval to grow. And now its waters in the southern region have warmed, which will add to the chances of growth.