1 in 2 million Blue Lobster Arrives at Exploris

27th September 2023

A rare 1 in 2 million blue lobster caught off the coast of County Louth has found a new home in Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary in Portaferry.

This hefty European lobster (Hommarus gammarus) was caught by Noel Matthews and his crew about half mile North East of Clogherhead pier, Co. Louth, on 14th September aboard his boat, the Quest WD295.

Local Louth business owner, David Bradley, commented:
“The crew were amazed when they pulled in the beautiful blue creature and had never seen anything like it. They immediately sent photos back to shore and the attempt to find a home for the lobster began!

I am Noel’s nephew and also the owner of The Smugglers Rest Gastrobar with my cousin, Damien. We researched how we could create a home for the lobster in The Smugglers Rest, but after careful consideration we felt we could not provide it with the home it deserved… thankfully Exploris jumped at the opportunity!”

It’s over a foot long (36cm/14in), not including its claws, and weighs 1.6kg/3.5lb - about the same as a wild rabbit. Based on its size, the animal team at the aquarium estimate it could be between 15-20 years old. Although its size is impressive, what really sets it apart is its vibrant blue colour. Only one in two million lobsters caught are this shade of vivid blue, thanks to a mutation which overproduces certain proteins.

Exploris Aquarium’s Conservation and Education Officer, Blair Bailie, explained:
“If everyone in Northern Ireland was a lobster only one of us would be this colour.  Lobsters can come in a whole spectrum of colours: electric blue, yellow, red, orange, white - there are even rainbow and two-tone lobsters. We already have a rare orange one and used to have an albino, so I’m chuffed to bits to welcome this stunning cobalt crustacean into our ongoing collection of rare lobsters.

From the moment I found out about it I was itching to jump in the van and collect it and when I finally saw it in person, I knew it was well worth the hundred-mile trip down South to collect. It’s in excellent condition. Photos don’t do it justice. It even has hints of lavender in all the blue.”

Exploris based in Portaferry recently revealed its new Under the Sea Experience; a 250,000 litre Ocean Tank housing tropical fish that has a tunnel allowing visitors to walk through the tank but remains committed to being a place to learn about local wildlife.

Blair Bailie explained:
Although there’s a lot of attention given to the more exotic species from different parts of the world, Exploris is still very much dedicated to showing off the incredible wildlife you can find right here on our shores, from seals, to octopuses, even to a fantastic big blue lobster! It's important to understand the animals we share this part of the world with, for their benefit and for ours.”

For further information visit:  Explorisni.com